REUTERS

Sasha and Malia Obama, Now 25 and 27, Made a Rare Public Appearance at the Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago

Updated 4 weeks ago, June 18, 2026

The Obama Presidential Center opened June 18 on Chicago’s South Side, a sprawling complex with a museum, concert and event venues, public park space, and a new branch of the Chicago Public Library.

Sasha and Malia joined their parents on stage for the dedication, a setting they’ve rarely appeared in since the family left the White House in January 2017. Sasha turned up at the NBA All-Star Game in February, and Malia, who works in film under the name Malia Ann, has walked a few red carpets for her directing debut, The Heart, which played Toronto, Telluride, and Sundance.

Malia Obama and Sasha Obama at the dedication ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago — Malia and Sasha Obama join their parents on stage at the Obama Presidential Center’s dedication ceremony in Chicago on June 18, 2026. Photo by Jonathan Ernst / REUTERS.

Malia was 10 and Sasha was 7 when their father won the presidency in 2008. Sasha was the youngest child to live in the White House since John F. Kennedy Jr. was an infant there in 1961. Malia turns 28 on July 4.