The Obama Presidential Center finally opened its doors in Chicago this week, serving as a $850 million monument to the former president’s eight years in office.
The event featured a sentimental display from the Obamas, who used the platform to tout the administration's record on healthcare and foreign policy, while taking thinly veiled shots at their political opponents. While the Obamas celebrated their legacy, the project itself has been mired in controversy for a decade.
The 20-acre campus, which includes a 225-foot monolithic structure, faced significant local opposition, legal battles over the use of public park land, and concerns from residents regarding gentrification.
Despite the high price tag and the delays that plagued the construction, the Obamas were joined by a host of celebrity performers and former world leaders to mark the occasion. Notably, the guest list excluded Donald Trump, continuing the long-standing feud between the two camps.
As the Obamas look back on their tenure, they continue to frame their time in the White House as a period of moral superiority, even as the project remains a flashpoint for local residents worried about the impact of the massive development on their neighborhood.
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