The Obama Presidential Center opens in Chicago with a star-studded celebration

Former President Barack Obama opened his long-awaited presidential center with a star-studded celebration that drew Hollywood’s attention.

The star-studded guest list underscored Obama’s lasting influence beyond politics. Actors, musicians, athletes and public figures joined the former president to celebrate the opening of the center, which will house a museum, community gathering spaces and programs aimed at developing future generations of leaders.

Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Bono were all scheduled to perform at the dedication ceremony. Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen were among the distinguished guests who joined Barack Obama in Chicago when he opened his presidential center.

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Here’s a look at the stars who attended:

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey arrives at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

Oprah Winfrey was known as one of Obama’s first celebrity supporters during his 2008 presidential campaign. After the presidential endorsement, Winfrey campaigned with Obama in key states and held fundraisers.

Steven Spielberg

Jill Vedder and Steven Spielberg attended the dedication ceremony for the Barack Obama Presidential Center. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Steven Spielberg is known as one of Obama’s most important supporters.

Over time, the relationship between the filmmaker and the politician turned into a true friendship. Spielberg has participated in Obama-related events and was among the key guests celebrating the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in 2026. Obama also visited Spielberg in person, including a surprise visit to one of his film sets.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

Rita Wilson, Nancy Pelosi and Tom Hanks talk together at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on June 18. (Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images)

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have been staunch supporters of former President Obama.

Obama also awarded Hanks the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen arrive at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center. (Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images)

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have developed a real friendship with the Obamas over the years.

The couple attended White House events during Obama’s presidency and maintained a relationship with the politician and his family afterward. Reports described them as part of Obama’s celebrity friends.

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Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry attended the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Tyler Perry was a big supporter of Obama during the former president’s re-election campaign. The filmmaker held major fundraising events throughout this period and later developed personal friendships with politicians.

Conan O’Brien

Conan O’Brien arrives at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

Conan O’Brien’s relationship with Obama is less political and more media-centric.

Obama appeared on Conan’s late-night show before he became president and later joined Conan’s podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” for a lengthy interview after leaving office.

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LL Cool J

LL Cool J attended the dedication of the Barack Obama Presidential Center at John Lewis Plaza on June 18. (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

LL Cool J’s connection with Obama is primarily a cultural and social interaction.

During the Obama presidency, LL Cool J participated in White House events and programs that highlighted the arts, education, and community service. He was among a group of entertainers who often collaborated with Obama-era outreach efforts.

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A pedestrian crosses the street near the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago before the opening of the campus. (Michael Dorgan/Fox News Digital)

The center, which is close to where Obama lived and began his political career, is expected to attract more than a million visitors a year.

The campus includes a state-of-the-art museum that includes the political and personal spaces of the nation’s first black president and first lady, while public spaces include a branch of the Chicago Public Library, a playground and athletic center, basketball courts and a picnic area with grills.

The design of the tower is meant to show four hands coming together in unity. Wrapped around one side are 5-foot-tall concrete capitals, part of Obama’s 2015 speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery march. It begins with, “You are America.”

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.