Chicago – Former American President Barack Obama today opened his presidential center in Chicago, which aims to commemorate the legacy of the first Black head of state in the United States. The event was attended by a trio of former presidents – Democrats Joe Biden and Bill Clinton and Republican George W. Bush. Also present was former Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, according to the AP agency.
The complex will officially open to the public on Friday, while Obama held a celebration today featuring musicians like Bono, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder.
"I believe this center will serve as a testament to how extraordinary and precious our democracy is, and as a reminder of what we can achieve when we, as citizens, embrace shared responsibility," said Obama.
The centerpiece of the project is a brutalist-style tower nicknamed the Obamalisk, which houses a museum displaying items related to Obama's administration in the White House. One of the museum's attractions is a replica of the Oval Office from Obama's time in office.
While there will be an entry fee for the museum, the freely accessible public spaces of the sprawling complex, which spans eight acres, will offer additional attractions: a new branch of the Chicago Public Library, a basketball court, and a picnic area with grills. The panoramic view of the city and Lake Michigan from the top floor of the Obamalisk is also free.
Work on the Barack Obama Presidential Center in the South Side neighborhood took more than ten years, and the construction cost $850 million (17.7 billion CZK). It is by far the most expensive presidential library in American history, according to CNN.
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