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Watch the Ali Center
Promo video: QuickTime or Windows Media version. |
The
architecture of the new Muhammad Ali Center reflects the humanism and
ideals of the boxing champion who once called himself "The
Greatest." We recently had the chance to experience this amazing
Facility.
The six-level, 96,000-square-foot Muhammad Ali Center, bordering the Ohio River in the downtown section of the city where Muhammad Ali was born, does more than celebrate Ali's athletic skill and outspoken personality. Built also as an interactive cultural and educational institution, the Muhammad Ali Center shares and teaches Muhammad Ali's beliefs in hope, understanding, and personal best, challenging the "greatness" of people through awareness and inspiration.
 Andy & Jamie with Jeanie B. Kahnke Vice President of Communications (Middle) |
More than memorabilia Ali himself said he wanted more than a museum, stating, "For many years I have dreamed of creating a place to share, teach, and inspire people to be their best and to pursue their dreams." |
The
$80 million Muhammad Ali Center opened in November 2005 and was founded by
Ali and his wife Lonnie. The Ali Center has 21,000 square feet of
interactive exhibits, arranged around a skylighted, multilevel atrium
space. There is also a 2,100-square-foot auditorium, two galleries
totaling 4,100 square feet, an education center, theaters,
distance-learning facilities, an archive and library, and 8,000 square
feet of multipurpose event rooms on the top floor overlooking the Ohio
River. |
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The Ali Center has a lot in its corner. If people come simply to "see boxing stuff," however, they could be disappointed. Instead, a focus on self-discovery and personal growth are the Ali Center's primary jab.
The
Center refers to a visitor experience as "nontraditional" since
its main focus is not memorabilia. For example, visitors can go through
theme-based pavilions, each using photos, film, music, and exhibits to
showcase an Ali value he feels strongly about-six different Ali values in
all: respect, dedication, confidence, conviction, giving, and
spirituality..Items on display include Ali boxing gear, such as gloves and robes; the torch he used to light the Olympic torch; and the jewel-studded robe bearing the inscription "The People's Choice," a gift from Elvis Presley.
Multimedia
exhibits include films and video highlights of 15 Ali fights, including
matches against Sonny Liston, George Foreman, and Joe Frazier, which
climaxed with the grueling "Thrilla in Manila" in 1975; and
broadcast interviews, particularly those with sportscaster Howard Cosell.
And the "Training with Ali" exhibit, designed like Ali's
training camp, has a regulation boxing ring with holographic images of Ali
that jab and throw uppercuts to teach the rudiments of shadow boxing, the
speed bag, and the heavy bag. The "camp" even has punching bags
where visitors can measure their strength compared with Ali's. The library
and archive contain Ali-related documents, including fight contracts,
correspondence, speeches, books, tapes, and clippings.
For
more information visit:www.alicenter.org