Barack Obama's presidential library reports capacity for inauguration day
After five years of construction, Barack Obama's presidential library is ready to open in Chicago
After five years since construction began, Obama's presidential library and museum is a few days away from being inaugurated, projecting a guaranteed full house because it was decided to allow people to enter for free.
The complex built in the historic Jackson Park neighborhood on Chicago's South Side suffered several delays and involved more than $850 million in investment.
The project includes a museum, offices of the Obama Foundation, a branch of the Chicago Public Library and a children's playground.
It is expected that the site will be visited by up to one million people a year.
A statement indicates that the opening festivities will take place from June 19 to 21 and during those days access is offered free of charge.
"These first days are a preview of how the campus will be active throughout the year to inspire, empower and connect us all to generate change. The campus is free and open to the public, and we want you to be there to bring it to life," part of the letter indicates.
It should be noted that the only area with restricted access will be the museum, since its seats have been sold out for several weeks.
And to avoid disorder, only tickets with a pre-established access time will be valid.
The cost of admission to the fully digital museum of its kind will be $30 for people 12 and older; but with a fee of $26 for Illinois residents.
“The response to the official Grand Opening Ceremony viewing party at nearby Midway Plaisance has been incredible, and ticket requests for the in-person community event are no longer being accepted.
You can still be part of this historic moment from anywhere in the world. "We will broadcast the entire ceremony live on Thursday, June 18 so you can tune in from wherever you want!" say the authorities in charge of the Obama Presidential Center.
It should be noted that the cost of this project was close to doubling the almost $500 million behind the construction of the library in honor of former President George W. Bush.

