(Courtesy PR Newswire -- 201-946-5462) 

#The Muhammad Ali Center Planning and Design Announced#
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       Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership Selected 

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 31/PRNewswire/ -- The Muhammad Ali Center,
a major new institution for Louisville and people from around
the world, today took the first step toward becoming reality
with the kick-off of a four-month planning phase for
architecture, exhibition design and marketing.  Located in the
hometown of the three-time Heavyweight Champion of the World,
the Center will honor Muhammad Ali's life, celebrate his
achievements, and above all, share his humanitarian spirit. 

Larry G. Townsend, chairman and president of the Center,
announced the appointment of a distinguished New York-based
firm, Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership, to
direct the planning effort.  Past Skolnick projects have
included architecture and exhibit design for the Creative
Discovery Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee; and the Public
Access Master Plan for the Library of Congress in Washington,
D.C. 

The planning phase, to be completed by February 1998, will
result in the selection of a site in Louisville for The Muhammad
Ali Center; a decision on the facility's size; and
recommendations for the Center's mission statement, exhibition
program organizational structure, and marketing strategy.  All
decisions are being made in close consultation with Muhammad
Ali; his wife, Lonnie Ali, who is vice chairman and
secretary-treasurer of the Center; and an international advisory
board. 
   
"We envision The Muhammad Ali Center will be a pilgrimage site
for everyone who wants to pay tribute to Muhammad Ali and learn
about his life and career," Mr. Townsend said.  "But more than
that, it will be a place that touches people -- especially
children.  Its ultimate goal is to spread the spirit of
tolerance, self-respect, and love for humankind that Muhammad
Ali represents." 
    
Joining as a consultant for part of the planning is Claudine K.
Brown, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Arts and
Humanities of the Smithsonian Institution.  The Center will look
at the life and boxing career of Muhammad Ali, using artifacts,
multimedia presentations and interactive exhibits.  The Center
will also showcase exhibits dealing with themes such as
tolerance. 
    
Other program areas could include an archive and study center,
and a Community Garden.  Developers also see the Center serving
as a public forum, which could function locally, nationally and
internationally as a place for discussions, lectures, and
debates. 

Within the next 90 days, Muhammad Ali will launch his own
official Ali site on the World Wide Web.  The Web site will
include a feature on The Muhammad Ali Center, which will allow
the public to become involved in its development.  The site will
also serve as a place to register comments, dreams, and ideas
about what the Center should be. 

CONTACT: Larry G. Townsend, Chairman & CEO, The Muhammad Ali Center, 
         502-561-1516, or Clair Nichols, Guthrie/Mayes Public Relations, 
         502-584-0371