The opening of the Obama Presidential Center began with a sense of curiosity and wonder as children gathered for a special story time with some distinguished guests. President Obama and “Forever First Lady” Mrs. Obama read Maurice Sendak’s beloved classic Where the Wild Things Are as a historic nod to their time reading the book in the White House. Mrs. Obama also narrated a special 60th anniversary unabridged audiobook edition.
Reading Rainbow icon LeVar Burton and librarian and literacy advocate Mychal Threets also joined the public library celebration. 100 first-time visitors and guests also received a surprise greeting from the Obamas as they entered the Presidential Center. Photos Courtesy of The Obama Foundation.
Grand Opening Ceremony June 18, 2026
The Grand Opening Ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center will be livestreamed globally beginning at 11 a.m. Central Time on obama.org, and on The Obama Foundation’s TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook accounts.
Our Roux Crew may also access the livestream provided Courtesy of The Obama Foundation here on our website.
Obama Presidential Center Livestream Access
Performers taking part in the June 18 ceremony will include:
- Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artists The Roots
- Multiple GRAMMY, Oscar, Golden Globe, and Special Tony Award-winning artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Springsteen
- Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artist Christina Aguilera
- Multiple GRAMMY, Oscar, and Emmy Award-winning artist Common
- Multiple GRAMMY, Golden Globe Award-winning artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Vedder
- Multiple GRAMMY, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist Jennifer Hudson
- Multiple GRAMMY, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist John Legend
- Multiple GRAMMY and Oscar Award-winning artist Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Stevie Wonder
- Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artist Marc Anthony
- Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artist Tems
- Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artists, multiple Golden Globe winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, and Kennedy Center Honorees U2’s Bono and The Edge
- Actress and producer Marsai Martin
President and Mrs. Obama Thank Stakeholders Who Helped Bring the Obama Presidential Center to Life