Obama Presidential Center Opening: See the Celebs Who Attended - Goodfest

The grand opening of former President Barack Obama’s presidential center in Chicago was a who’s who of American influence.

The guest list at the Obama Presidential Center included former presidents, world leaders, and some of the biggest names in entertainment.

The 20-acre campus on Chicago’s South Side, which cost $850 million in total and includes a public library, playground, and sports facilities, commemorates Obama’s presidency from 2009 to 2017.

Among those in attendance on Thursday were former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, and Tom Hanks.

Here’s a look at some of the notable guests who attended.

Several music legends were in attendance, with Bruce Springsteen among those who performed.

Bruce Springsteen performs during the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

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Obama and Springsteen have been friends for years. After Obama left the White House, the pair cohosted the podcast “Renegades: Born in the USA” and later collaborated on a book.

Christina Aguilera sang at the opening.

Christina Aguilera performs during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

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The singer gave a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.”

Jennifer Hudson performed the national anthem.

Jennifer Hudson performs during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center,

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Hudson grew up in Chicago, making the opening a homecoming for the EGOT-winning singer, actor, and talk show host.

Bono and U2’s The Edge were part of the line-up.

Bono (L) and The Edge of U2 perform during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

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Bono and U2 performed for Obama at his inauguration celebration in 2009.

And Stevie Wonder joined an all-star performance.

Stevie Wonder performs during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

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Wonder also performed at Obama’s inaugural celebration in 2009 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from him in 2014.

At Thursday’s opening ceremony, he joined Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Common, and The Roots for a group performance.

Three late-night television legends were there.

Stephen Colbert (L) and David Letterman look on during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center. — Stephen Colbert (L) and David Letterman look on during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center

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David Letterman, Stephen Colbert, and Conan O’Brien all attended the opening ceremony.

NBA legend Dwayne Wade was spotted at the opening.

Dwyane Wade arrives at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. — Dwayne Wade arrives at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

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Wade, a three-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, was at the opening with his wife, actor Gabrielle Union.

Four former presidents gathered for a photo.

Former President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, and former President Bill Clinton.

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The opening brought together four former presidents: Obama, Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

The creator of Star Wars, George Lucas, was among the Hollywood heavyweights in Chicago.

George Lucas attends the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center

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Lucas is a major donor to the Obama Foundation, which oversaw construction of the presidential center.

Steven Spielberg was there, too.

Steven Spielberg speaks with Rep. Nancy Pelosi during the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

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Spielberg, one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers, is a longtime friend of Obama. He was also named one of the honorees of the Obama Presidential Center.

Tyler Perry joined the Hollywood billionaires in attendance.

Tyler Perry attends the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

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Perry built a fortune through his Madea franchise and Tyler Perry Studios, helping him amass an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, according to Forbes.

In the past, he has hosted fundraisers for Obama.

Tom Hanks brought some Hollywood star power to the opening.

Tom Hanks attends the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

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Obama awarded Hanks the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

One of Obama’s earliest supporters was also there: Oprah Winfrey.

Oprah Winfrey arrives at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois, on June 18, 2026. — Oprah Winfrey arrives at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

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Winfrey, an honoree of the Obama Presidential Center, endorsed Obama before he had even declared his candidacy for president. She has remained one of his longest-standing and most influential supporters.

At the center of it all was the Obama family.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama, Former first lady Michelle Obama, Malia Obama, and Sasha Obama cheer after the performance of Eddie Vedder and Guitars Over Guns during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center — Former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama, and their children, Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.

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The former president was joined by his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Malia and Sasha, to celebrate the opening of the project, which has been in the works since he left the White House.