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

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."

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."

US presidents traditionally open libraries following their tenure in office. Some serve as simple repositories for papers and key artifacts from their namesake administration, while others have grander ambitions as museums and cultural destinations.

"This is not a is not a monument to the Obamas, you guys, this is a tribute to all those who make their journey possible," former adviser and Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett said in opening remarks.

Former Presidents George W Bush, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden were introduced ahead of the Obamas during the celebratory event.

Several dignitaries and international leaders, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - who served as leaders in their countries during Obama's tenure - were in attendance, along with a slew of celebrities.

Current US President Donald Trump, who has long and openly feuded with Obama, was not invited to the opening.

Even though his name was not mentioned directly, Trump's presence was felt as speakers - including the Obamas - alluded to his policies as being to blame for political and cultural fissures across the country and imperiling the democracy they want to showcase at the centre.

Thursday's opening festivities also included performances from a variety of artists, including Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, John Legend, Common, Marc Anthony, U2's Bono and The Edge, as well as Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder.

Rock legend and hometown hero Eddie Vedder, the Illinois-born frontman of Pearl Jam, performed an original song he wrote with youth from the Guitars Over Guns programme.

Spectators in attendance said they were grateful to the Obamas for bringing the centre to the South Side of Chicago.