Kade Simmons, a lifelong Bears fan and South Side resident, attended Saturday's event with his wife and their two young sons.
"This is part of our city, part of our neighborhood," he said. "Being here with my boys and being able to celebrate with the community is fantastic. Watching this come up and having it manifest, it's a diamond in the rough. I love it and the opportunity it's going to create for the community."
The Obama Presidential Center opened last Thursday with a grandiose opening ceremony that was livestreamed globally and highlighted by powerful speeches delivered by former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Musical performers included Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Common, Eddie Vedder, Guitars Over Guns, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Marc Anthony, Stevie Wonder, Tems, The Roots, U2's Bono and The Edge, and Uniting Voices Chicago.
The Presidential Museum explores the legacy of the Obamas and the power of democracy with interactive exhibits, including a replica of the Oval Office. The Chicago Public Library branch features a Presidential Reading room curated by Barack Obama and a dedicated children's area. Outdoor spaces include the John Lewis Plaza, a fruit and vegetable garden, and the Women's Garden.
"We wanted the center to be a vibrant, living celebration of community," said former President Obama, "where we can learn together and share the joys of art and music and sport and play, because it's in those moments that we're reminded of our common humanity and strengthen the bonds of trust that not only make our lives richer, but make our democracy stronger."