Obama's presidential centre opens in Chicago with call to defend democracy
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
The Obama museum and civic center has been inaugurated in Chicago. It tells the story and cements the legacy of the former president, championning the principles of democracy. All former US presidents attended the event, as well as several celebrities. The nearly 20-acre (8-hectare) campus includes a museum featuring a life-sized replica of the Oval Office, a garden designed by former first lady Michelle Obama complete with lettuce and strawberry plants, a professional-grade basketball court, a picnic area with grills and a new branch of the Chicago Public Library. Visitors can expus erience high-tech and hands-on exhibits spanning the campaigns, key moments of Obama’s presidency and life at the White House.