'Living celebration of community': Obamas host star-studded opening of Chicago presidential centre

'Living celebration of community': Obamas host star-studded opening of Chicago presidential centre 12 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Nardine Saad and Laura Blasey 'There will be no kings' - Obama hails democracy at presidential center opening Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama welcomed three former US presidents, dignitaries, celebrities and the public to the Obama Presidential Center on Thursday - an opening in the works in the decade since the 44th president left the Oval Office. The Chicago campus functions as a monument to the eight years the couple spent in the White House. It combines elements of a museum and reading room with community centre amenities such as a playground, basketball court, recording studio and public library. The couple chose the Jackson Park neighbourhood on the South Side for the 19.3-acre campus, near their Windy City home ahead of moving to the White House. "For me, this centre could not be any place else," Obama told visitors during an opening ceremony. "It's an expression of thanks, an acknowledgement that so much of what I hold most dear I owe to the people of this city and the people of these surrounding neighbourhoods." Getty Images Universal Images Group via Getty Images Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via Getty Images Getty Images Former President Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden, from left, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, former President George W Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, and former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pose ahead of the dedication ceremony. Obama, who served as the 44th US president from 2009 to 2017, said the centre is rooted in the idea that community members and visitors can come together and create the change they seek and that's why it wasn't designed as a "lifeless mausoleum". "We wanted it to be a vibrant, living celebration of community. Where we can learn together and share the joys of art and music and sport and play," he said. Michelle Obama's speech moved her husband to wipe away tears as she praised both his personal and professional achievements, as well as his unwavering optimism and resilience. "We want you to come here and put away your phones and talk and laugh and cry. Make new friends, get your hands dirty in my garden, put your baby on a swing in the playground, have a romantic picnic on the Great Lane," she said. "Because that's the work of democracy: being neighbourly, taking care of public spaces. How do we love enjoying each other, shaking out of the isolation and division that have crept too deeply into our lives." Scott Olson/Getty Images The museum also features items from Michelle Obama's tenure as first lady, including a selection of dress she wore during key moments. US presidents traditionally open libraries following their tenure in office. Some serve as simple repositories for papers and key artifacts from their namesake admin