Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have welcomed three ex-US presidents, dignitaries and celebrities to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center.
The Chicago attraction, a monument to the eight years the couple spent in the White House, has been in the works since the 44th president left the Oval Office a decade ago.
George W Bush, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden attended, but current President Donald Trump, who has long feuded with Obama, was not invited. The BBC contacted the White House for comment.
The Obamas chose the Jackson Park neighbourhood on the South Side for the 20-acre campus, near the home where they lived before moving to the White House.
Obama, who was president from 2009-17, told visitors during Thursday’s opening ceremony: “We wanted it [the centre] to be a vibrant, living celebration of community.
“Where we can learn together and share the joys of art and music and sport and play.”
He appeared emotional as his wife gave a heartfelt tribute to him.
Neither Obama mentioned Trump by name, but each made pointed remarks that were widely interpreted as implicit rebukes of the current administration.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – who were in office during Obama’s tenure – attended.
There were also performances from artists including Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, John Legend, Common, Marc Anthony, U2’s Bono and The Edge, as well as Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder.
