President Barack Obama wanted the opening of his long-awaited presidential centre to feel celebratory. Instead, the launch announcement has reopened years of criticism over the project's soaring costs, 'ugly' controversial design and now, unexpectedly, voter ID politics.
The former president posted on Wednesday that the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago will open to the public on 19 June, inviting visitors to explore the museum, a new Chicago Public Library branch, a playground, gardens and community spaces. Tickets are already available online. Within hours, critics seized on one particular detail buried in the centre's admissions policy. Illinois residents seeking free Tuesday entry or discounted tickets must present valid photo identification.
