LIVE COVERAGEUpdated 2 minutes ago Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are expected to be joined by the three other former presidents and a host of music stars. Updated June 18, 2026, 8:43 AM EDT By NBC News What to know about the Obama center openingOPENING WEEKEND: The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago is celebrating its grand opening this weekend, with a dedication ceremony today. The general public is invited to visit for an open house starting tomorrow, Juneteenth, and running through the weekend, which will feature live performances, arts and crafts, sports team meet-and-greets and other activities.WHO'S ATTENDING: Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama are expected to be joined by former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Joe Biden and a host of celebrities at today's ceremony, which begins at noon ET.SPEAKERS AND PERFORMERS: The Obamas are both expected to give remarks, as will several musical artists. The star-studded lineup includes Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, U2's Bono and the Edge, and others. THE CENTER CAMPUS: The 19-acre, $850 million campus includes a museum featuring digital exhibits on key moments in Obama's presidency, a basketball court, a branch of the city's public library and acres of green space. 2m ago / 8:43 AM EDTHow to watch the opening program The in-person crowd at the opening ceremony is invitation only, but the center will live stream the program on its website at Obama.org. The program kicks off at noon ET and will feature a star-studded musical lineup, special guests, and remarks by the Obamas and others. 2m ago / 8:42 AM EDTWho will be at the opening for the Obama Presidential Center? The opening ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center will feature speeches from Obama and the former first lady along with several musical performances.The invitation-only audience is also expected to include the three other former presidents and first ladies. The program kicks off at noon ET. People can begin visiting the center on June 19. 2m ago / 8:42 AM EDTWhat is the Obama Presidential Center? The center consists of a more than 19 acre campus that includes a museum, a public library, a basketball court and lots of green space. The grounds will also have a fruit and vegetable garden named after former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as well as a playground and auditorium.The museum includes digital exhibits on Obama’s 2008 campaign and key moments during his presidency, a full-size Oval Office replica and a room that provides panoramic views of the south and west sides of Chicago, the center’s website says. The center will also offer a variety of programs, including civics and democracy education programs for kids, talks at the center's forum, and performances, according to the website. 0NBC NewsNBC News