5 Favorite Memories from the Clinton Presidential Center’s Grand Opening

On November 18, 2004, President Bill Clinton welcomed the world to the Clinton Presidential Center for the first time. More than 30,000 people attended the grand opening and dedication in Little Rock, Arkansas. Despite the dramatic rain, the ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for Central Arkansas.

In 2024, we’re celebrating 20 years of milestones and memories. During that time, we’ve welcomed more than 5.2 million visitors from around the world; inspired 510,000 students and educators through educational, leadership development, and service opportunities; catalyzed billions of dollars in economic impact; showcased more than 60 temporary exhibits; hosted thousands of public and educational programs with U.S. Supreme Court Justices, authors, foreign heads of state, American icons, activists, and other interesting voices; and answered the call to serve when crisis hits, such as providing one million meals during COVID-19 in partnership with local and international organizations.

Continue reading to see five of our favorite memories from the grand opening.

Four U.S. Presidents and First Ladies gathered to dedicate the Clinton Center.

Wrapped in raincoats, four U.S. Presidents marched together, side-by-side, up to the platform where they would dedicate the United States’ 12th presidential library.

Adding to the long-standing tradition of former presidents and first ladies attending the opening of presidential libraries — regardless of political party – Presidents Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush joined President Bill Clinton, then-Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Chelsea Clinton for the momentous occasion.

Every presidential library is a reflection of the vision and values of the president and their administration, as well as a roadmap for post-presidential endeavors. President Clinton shared that vision as he led his predecessors, successor, and first ladies, on the first official tour of the Clinton Center’s exhibits.

President Clinton spoke about his vision for the Clinton Center.

The Clinton Center is first and foremost a presidential library — an archive of the important work of our government and leader of our nation — and a museum. It is also a place for people to come together to study the issues of today so that we can meet the challenges of tomorrow.

“The thing I want most is for people who come to this library, whether they’re Republicans or Democrats, liberals or conservatives, to see that public service is noble and important, that the choices and decisions leaders make affect the lives of millions of Americans and people all across the world. I want young people to want to see not only what I did with my life, but to see what they could do with their lives. Because this is mostly the story of what we, the people, can do when we work together.” — President Bill Clinton

Watch his full remarks here.

 

Bono and The Edge performed “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “The Hands That Build America.”

President Clinton has been a fan of U2’s music for decades. Bono and The Edge performed an acoustic set at the dedication ceremony, where they played “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “The Hands that Built America,” both songs that speak truths about our collective and complicated history.

“What this man did for the peace that is so nearly there in Ireland is an extraordinary thing…we pay tribute to that…many people made a lot of sacrifices for that peace, but Bill Clinton didn’t have to, he chose to.” — Bono

 

Then-Senator Clinton called the building a reflection of her husband.

Adding her powerful voice to an impressive slate of speakers — four U.S. Presidents, Bono, and a diverse group of Americans whose lives were improved by Clinton administration policies — then-Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton offered her reflection.

“This building is like my husband, open, expansive, welcoming, filled with light. And the exhibits tell a story of someone who loves his fellow man, who cares deeply about the future of all our children, and recognizes our common humanity.” — Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton

 

That rain.

If you talk to any of the more than 30,000 attendees to the grand opening, you will no doubt hear about the rain. November 17, 2004, was a perfect fall day in the South; however, November 18 saw torrential rain and much colder temperatures. President Clinton did not let the weather dampen his spirit but, instead, reassured the crowd, seated beneath a canopy of umbrellas.

“If my beloved mother were here, she would remind me that rain is liquid sunshine and that I wouldn’t complain about this because the ground probably needs it and somebody is benefiting from it.” — President Bill Clinton