Muhammad Ali Center — Attraction in Louisville

While we've visited the Ali center a few times, we recently attended a wedding at the Center, so we were interested in seeing weddings were handled. It was a Saturday evening event, so it took place after hours. This review is targeted toward the Special Events/Catering aspect of the Ali Center.

The Special Events area is located on the 6th floor and has a great view of the Ohio River (and, of course, I-64 in all is high-speed glory).. The wedding itself took place in a small sectioned-off are of what is a pretty sizable Special Events area. The area was nicely set up with rows of seats on either side of the central aisle (typical wedding setup). The chairs were surprisingly light and comfortable, as event chairs go.

After the wedding we were released from the wedding area to visit the museum while they set up for the reception. The Center is eerily quiet after hours, but at the same time it's cool because you're not battling crowds of people to see exhibits.

About 30 minutes later we were allowed back in to the now-expanded Special Events area with a dance floor, buffet line, and dozens of tables that were nicely decorated for the wedding. It was actually sort of breathtaking to view the room when you first walk in. The catering staff (I assume) did a fantastic job of converting from the wedding setup to the reception setup. There were A LOT of chairs that needed to be moved. The place settings (8 per table) were elegantly set up with chargers, plates, silverware and napkins all perfectly placed.

During some of the typical wedding formalities the catering staff brought around small appetizers, all of which were very tasty. I do recall a mini -- no, I'll call it a micro-Hot Brown that captured the essence of a Hot Brown in a small petit four cup. The staff, dressed in black and wearing black latex gloves, hustled around the seating area offering the appetizers and refilling water glasses, but not intrusively.

When it was time for the meal the DJ made announcements and would call up tables by number. A buffet line was set up for both sides of the table and it smelled fantastic. There was a salad, pork tenderloin, green beans, broccoli, chicken, potatoes, and rolls (as I recall) that all looked very appetizing. The presentation was great and you could tell the food was recently prepared, unlike some catered events where food has been sitting in a warmer for hours.

There were a couple bars that served some beers, a number of wines, and some mixed drinks. The bar tenders were nice and very busy, but didn't try to hurry anyone up when trying to decide what to drink.

As the evening went on the catering staff was constantly in motion. Whether it refilling water or taking care of dirty or unused dishes on tables, they were doing a great job of keeping things tidy.

The wedding we attended was great, but I have to give VERY high marks to the catering staff (cooks and bartenders included) at the Ali Center. OUTSTANDING...

The Muhammad Ali Center is absolutely phenomenal. The interior of the building is filled with beautiful art and words of wisdom. The exterior of the building is a beautiful work of art. The exhibits are beautifully done to display the best of humanity. I visited May 31, 2025, to attend the first G.O.A.T. Summit. It was encouraging to meet so many kind people who keep showing up to keep the memory of Muhammad Ali alive. The hospitality was top tier. The love for humanity was expressed in each greeting, handshake, hug and pictures shared. I met Rachel in the center and she provided excellent customer. She was attentive, considerate, patient and she provided excellent recommendations. I had the opportunity to meet another phenomenal employee named Dustin Vogt. He beamed with excitement as he described the time invested to create a space at the center for butterflies.

Everyone who worked there during the weekend showed up happy to greet each attendee. The janitor, the greeters, the front desk staff and leadership team all embody the words on turquoise shirts worn Sunday, June 1, 2025, “Team Ali.”

They are definitely a real-life Dream Team. It is refreshing to see that the organization has excelled at choosing and hiring an excellent team of people!

The live event was very informative and well attended. I had an opportunity to meet the Muhammad Ali Center Co-Founder and Lifetime Member, Lonnie Ali; Author, Dave Zirin; Athlete, Lauren Milliet; President and CEO, DeVone Holt. Each person extended kindness through their words and interactions with the attendees of the G.O.A.T. Summit.

Sunday, June 1, 2025, the leadership team effortlessly blended the use of indoor and outdoor space. The joy was tangible in each room that I entered. The music, balloons, line dances, the arts and crafts all provided a safe haven for children and families. If you are ever in Louisville, Kentucky this is a beautiful place to...

The Muhammad Ali Center is a truly remarkable and inspiring museum dedicated to the life and legacy of one of the greatest athletes and humanitarians of all time. From the moment you step into the building, you are transported into the world of Muhammad Ali, and his incredible journey from a young boy in Louisville, Kentucky, to becoming one of the most iconic figures in the history of sports.

The exhibits at the Muhammad Ali Center are engaging, interactive, and thought-provoking. From the multimedia displays that showcase Ali's famous fights to the displays that highlight his tireless work as a civil rights activist, each exhibit offers a unique and insightful perspective on this extraordinary man.

What sets the Muhammad Ali Center apart, however, is its commitment to promoting Ali's core values of respect, confidence, conviction, dedication, and giving. The center offers a range of educational programs and outreach initiatives designed to empower people of all ages and backgrounds to live up to these ideals and make a positive difference in their communities.

The museum is also visually stunning, with a modern design that incorporates natural light, green spaces, and sweeping views of the city. Whether you're a fan of boxing, a student of history, or simply looking for inspiration, the Muhammad Ali Center is a must-visit destination that will leave you feeling energized, uplifted, and inspired. I highly...