2006-2008 – Festival of Faith
Hosted by the Muhammad Ali Center and sponsored by the Center for Interfaith Relations, the mission of the Festival of Faiths is to promote interfaith understanding and cooperation. Held at the Muhammad Ali Center for three years, from 2006 to 2008, the festival prompted conversations about how different faiths and
World Affairs Council
Since 2006—shortly after opening its doors—the Center has been proud to partner with the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and S. Indiana (WAC). Through this key partnership, the Center regularly welcomes delegations of international visitors, hosts the WAC high school Academic WorldQuest competition, and supports a variety of youth-based initiatives.
Dedication and Community Celebration
The two day grand opening celebration of the Muhammad Ali Center culminated with a Public Dedication and Community event on the Belvedere in downtown Louisville. The ceremony, which was free and open to the public, featured musical performances, poetry readings, and other artistic presentations that symbolized Ali’s core values and
Grand Opening
Muhammad Ali was joined by family, friends, colleagues, and admirers from 12 countries and 32 states in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky to celebrate the grand opening of the Muhammad Ali Center. Based on the iconic life and contribution of the boxer known as “The Greatest” and recipient of the
Mandala Event
Tibetan Monks of the Drepung Gomang Monastery created a beautiful sacred piece of art to be presented to the Muhammad Ali Center during their visit to Louisville August 22-30, 2005. The Mandala was a gift of friendship from Nobel Peace Prize Winner the Dalai Lama to United Nations Messenger of
Topping Off
On November 1, 2004 the Muhammad Ali Center celebrated the pinnacle point of its steel construction with a “Topping Off” ceremony that brought the development of Muhammad Ali’s international center one step closer to reality.
Headquarters and Location
The long anticipated construction of the 93,000 square feet Muhammad Ali Center began in August of 2004. The site location is conveniently located between the Ohio River and Main Street in Louisville’s historic downtown.
Anthem Foundation Donation
Anthem Foundation, Inc. awarded a $100,000 grant to the Muhammad Ali Center to assist in developing educational programming, with particular emphasis on diversity initiatives.
Cultural Buzz
Cultural Buzz offered education games and activities that were interactive and entertaining. By participating in the online site, Cultural Buzz, youths from around the world could learn to bridge human difference. They could explore other cultures and enhance skills that promote individual well-being and healthy interpersonal relationships.
2004
The Muhammad Ali Center partnered with the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts on “Brown Butterfly,” a stunning mixture of music, dance, and multimedia that paid tribute to Muhammad Ali. The Muhammad Ali Council of Students (M.A.C.C.S) wrote and performed a special pre-show presentation called “It’s In Your Hands,” and