New exhibit at Muhammad Ali Center focuses on how Louisville said farewell to 'The Greatest'

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A new exhibit pays tribute to The Greatest and the way Louisville and the world said farewell to Muhammad Ali.

Saturday, the Muhammad Ali Center will unveil a new, permanent exhibit called, The Greatest Remembered. 

Born Cassius Clay Jr. in Louisville on Jan. 17, 1942, the three-time heavyweight champ died on June 3, 2016, at the age of 74 years old. A week later, thousands of people gathered around Louisville, lining the streets for Ali's funeral procession.

"Just because he's not here doesn't mean his legacy isn't continuing," said Bess Goldy, senior manager of collections and curation at the Muhammad Ali Center. 

She said until now, no where in the center's exhibits had it told the story of the remarkable reaction to Ali's death.

"As you work your way though this exhibit, it'll talk about his passing. It'll talk about the impact, it'll talk about reactions, but we really focus in the middle of this exhibit on the week in Louisville and how much of a celebration it was," Goldy said.

The exhibit incorporates artifacts from the week of Ali's passing, photography from around the community, a three-dimensional display and a video documenting the community's reaction as well as Ali's Janazah or Muslim funeral and memorial service at the KFC Yum Center.

Anyone who was in Louisville for the day of Ali's funeral will never forget the pride and energy of the city, as it said goodbye to its most famous hometown hero.

The funeral procession, including the Ali family and friends, stars like Will Smith, Mike Tyson and Billy Crystal, started at the funeral home. Crowds lined the 19-mile procession that made stops at places in Louisville that were part of Ali's journey. Stops included Interstate 64 in front of the Ali Center, Central High School and his childhood home on Grand Avenue.

Hundreds of people lined the streets to catch a final glimpse of Ali's hearse. Many had signs or carried boxing gloves and many tossed flowers onto the hearse. The driver finally had to clear flowers to be able to see through the  windshield. One iconic moment captured during the live broadcast on WDRB was when a young boy ran alongside the procession shadow boxing.

As the hearse drove along Broadway to Cave Hill Cemetery where Ali was buried, an artist scattered colorful rose pedals just outside the gates to his final resting place.

Goldy said it was a remarkable day. "What was really amazing was watching the city do that. Put everything aside and really unite for this one purpose."

Ali's widow, Lonnie said Louisville was the perfect host to the world that week. She released a statement, as the center prepared to open the exhibit.

"From the moment the plane touched down in Louisville, marking Muhammad's final return home, the entire city of Louisville wrapped their arms around us with love and support. Although there was a real sense of loss that blanketed the city and the world, there were also continuous displays of remembrance, reverence, and celebration of Muhammad's life that brought the City of Louisville together in a way I've never experienced anywhere. We were one family, coming together to pay our final respects to a beloved family member…one we shared with the world. I know the outpouring of love the city showed Muhammad, our family, and the tens of thousands of people who came from around the world to pay their final respects, made Muhammad proud. Louisville was the perfect host to the world that week.

It is my hope for visitors to our new permanent exhibit, they're are reminded of that special week and how our love for one man, brought not just this city together but the world. This exhibit is a way to continue to share that week of love, remembrance and unity and say thank you. It's also an opportunity to show everyone, we can come together as one for the good of all."

Soon, people will be able to experience the unity of those moments and the legacy Ali left behind through the new exhibit.

"Everybody has a greatness and we can all strive to be the greatest we can be, and I really hope that that's what people take away," Goldy said. 

"The Greatest Remembered" exhibit opens to the public Saturday, April 6, as part of Community Free Day. The public can go online to get free tickets. Click here. 

The Muhammad Ali Center is located at 144 N. Sixth Street in Louisville. 

Muhammad Ali is buried at the historic Cave Hill Cemetery, and thousands visit his gravesite each year. A green line marks the road from the main office to Ali's lot. Click here to see a map. 

Related Stories:

• Muhammad Ali still attracting thousands to hometown
• Some cheer and others tear during Muhammad Ali procession
• Louisville says goodbye to "The Champ" at memorial service
• Lonnie Ali says 'Thank You' to Louisville
• Muhammad Ali Center prepares for 10th-annual humanitarian awards as it seeks more members

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