Obama Presidential Center Opens on Chicago's South Side at Cost Exceeding $830 Million

The Obama Presidential Center opened Thursday on Chicago's South Side. The 19-acre campus includes a 225-foot museum and was completed at a cost exceeding $830 million. Former President Barack Obama spoke about the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

"To that point, human history was a tale of conquest and caste and rigid hierarchies," he said, noting that the revolution produced a declaration that all are created equal and that the United States would have no kings. Obama referenced his administration's nuclear agreement with Iran, which was later undone, and stated that not every global conflict can be solved.

U.S. And Iranian officials work to end a conflict that began with joint American-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. Former First Lady Michelle Obama listed accomplishments from her husband's presidency, including the end of a war, the bin Laden raid, and the rescue of the auto industry.

She also referenced unnamed figures spreading lies about her husband's birthright and efforts to stifle speech and limit education access.

Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden appeared onstage with their spouses. Former German chancellor Angela Merkel and former Vice President Kamala Harris also attended. Musicians including Bono, John Legend, Common, and Christina Aguilera performed.

Former President Obama thanked Joe and Jill Biden for their partnership and said the couple had become family.