Obama Presidential Center Opens in Chicago with Musical Performances

Why it matters locally: As the nation's capital and a hub for federal institutions, the opening of a presidential center directly relates to the history of the presidency, a role central to District of Columbia's identity.

---

Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama opened the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, drawing musical performances from Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder for the celebration. The museum, located in Chicago, houses exhibits related to Barack Obama's political career and eight years as president. The center serves as a repository for presidential records and artifacts from his administration. Springsteen and Wonder performed at the opening event, joining the Obamas for the inaugural celebration. The performances marked a public commemoration of the museum's launch. Presidential centers operate under the National Archives and Records Administration and preserve documents, photographs, and materials from each president's time in office. The Obama center follows the model of other presidential libraries in documenting an administration's work and making historical materials accessible to researchers and the public. Chicago served as the location for the center. Obama represented Illinois in the U.S. Senate before his 2008 presidential election.