Is visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, still on your bucket list? If so, why not begin planning for what could be the most memorable music trip of your lifetime? After all, isn’t your interest in the Rock Hall why you came to this story? Moreover, it’s not a homage to pure rock stars and their music. Indeed, you’ll find many music genres connected to rock music, such as blues, soul, rap, and country. Furthermore, the RRHOF is among the world’s finest music museums; each year, music fans pilgrimage. So, without further delay, learn about what you can see at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
About the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The RRHOF is a museum that chronicles the history of rock music and celebrates its cultural significance. Established on April 20, 1983, the Rock Hall was created by Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun and a group of music industry professionals. By 1986, the Rock Hall had inducted its first group of music artists like the Baseball Hall of Fame. Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and Little Richard were among this first group of inductees.
First Induction Ceremony
The first induction ceremony was held in New York, and the Rock Hall has held ceremonies ever since. The second group included Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye, while the next featured the Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Supremes, and Bob Dylan. Despite controversies that will not be detailed here, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is considered a prestigious institution in the music industry. Although not shared by all, being inducted is a considerable achievement and a validation of a music artist’s career. As for music fans, it’s widely considered a must-see music attraction and American bucket list destination.
Why is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland?
You might be wondering why the Rock Hall is in Cleveland. Indeed, you might be asking yourself why there are no significant centers in the music industry like New York or LA. The original site was supposed to be in the Big Apple. But what about New Orleans, Memphis, or even Chicago? Well, for one thing, Alan Freed, a Cleveland DJ back in the early ‘50s, came up with the phrase “rock and roll.” Then, in early 1952, he hosted The Moondog Coronation Ball, the first rock and roll concert. There’s undoubtedly more to the story, but that’s the brief explanation.
Architecture and Upcoming Expansion
While the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was established in 1983, a groundbreaking ceremony wasn’t held until 1993. The 150,000-square-foot structure opened two years later, featuring an architectural design by renowned architect I.M. Pei. The groundbreaking ceremony for a $135 million expansion was held last October. This expansion will include a new lobby, additional exhibition space, and more.
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How to Get to the RRHOF
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
1100 E. Ninth St.
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 781-7625
www.rockhall.com
By Car
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located along Cleveland’s picturesque waterfront overlooking Lake Erie. The music museum can be reached via Ohio State Route 2 along Cleveland’s North Coast. Depending upon your travel direction via a freeway, you would then turn onto East Ninth Street. As for traveling from downtown, your GPS will likely lead you onto Rockwell Avenue and then to E. Ninth Street. The RRHOF has a prominent spot next to the Great Lakes Science Center and Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Parking
The closest parking lot is the SP+ at 1055 E. Ninth Street, with another SP+ lot at 726 N. Marginal St. In addition, there is the Ninth Street Pier lot and the North Coast Harbor Parking lot next to Cleveland Browns Stadium. Daily rates range from $10 to $14, and parking meters may also be available. Parking is scarce when the Browns play a home game or significant events like the Rolling Stones in June.
By Public Transportation
The easiest way to get to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame from downtown Cleveland is via the Waterfront Line. A light rail route that begins at the Tower City station; you would then get off at the North Coast Station at E. Ninth Street. Depending upon your starting point, you may have to take the Red, Blue, or Green light rail lines and transfer at the Tower City station. Of course, city buses can also take you to the RRHOF.
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By Train
The Cleveland Amtrak station is across State Route 2 and adjacent to the North Coast Station at Ninth Street. It’s about a half-mile walk from the station to the RRHOF.
Tickets
Right now, tickets must be purchased online in advance, along with a selected time of entry. General admission for adults is $35, and for youths ages 6-12, is $25. While there isn’t a discount for older visitors, there are discounts for Northeast Ohio residents, college students, and first responders. Of course, discounts are available if you are an active or retired military member. Complete ticket information and other admission tickets can be found online. You can either print a copy of your ticket from your confirmation email or show your scan code at the main entrance. Unless the policy changes, you cannot upload your pass to Apple Wallet or Google Pay, which will soon be known as Google Wallet, starting in June.
What to See at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
If this is your first visit, you should plan on staying at the Rock Hall for at least two to three hours. After all, there are six levels of museum space for you to explore and time for dining and souvenirs.
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Main Level 1
You’ll be on the main floor of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This is where you will find friendly staff members, a small café and the museum store. Also on this level is the Klipsch Stage for live performances and exhibits like an awning from the iconic former New York nightclub CGBG. After your ticket is scanned, you will be led to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame entrance. The first exhibit you will see is the Origins and Evolution of Rock. You will see images of prominent music artists who have developed rock music on the wall. This includes early blues legends Robert Johnson, John Lennon, and Madonna. The others are Ray Charles and Run DMC, the hip-hop group inducted into the Rock Hall in 2009.
Level 0
After viewing the first exhibit, you will enter the Ahmet Ertegun Main Exhibit Hall. Here, you can learn more about how rock music evolved from music genres like blues, jazz, and even country music. As you progress, you’ll learn about the Roots of Rock and Roll, showcasing such artists as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and Sister Rosetta Sharpe. Then, you will come up with The Early Days exhibit, with rock pioneers like Chuck Berry and Elvis Presley, prominent record labels, and studios like Sun.
Right Here, Right Now
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame exhibits are for more than just their illustrious inductees. There is another exhibit that honors many of today’s top music performers. For instance, you can see clothing and memorabilia from some destined for later induction. In detail, you’ll see items worn by Billie Eilish, Sia, Katy Perry, Beyonce, and, of course, Taylor Swift.
Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll
Yet another section of Level 0 presents the permanent exhibit 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll. Primarily compiled by the museum’s chief curator, the late James Henke, the list includes virtually every critical piece of rock music in history. More recently, 160 more singles were added, and the list will likely continue to grow. Among the notable inclusions are Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” and Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone”. Of course, there are others like Elmore James’ “Dust My Broom, the Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” and the Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction.” However, there are some songs that are curiously missing, like the Beatles’ “Penny Lane” and Sam and Dave’s “Hold On.” Moreover, while every entry has substantially impacted the development of rock and roll, not every performer is in the Rock Hall of Fame.
Music of Cleveland and the Midwest
One section of the RRHOF is devoted to Cleveland or Midwest musicians. You can see musical instruments and artifacts with a Cleveland or Midwest connection here. For instance, you will see items from The White Stripes, The Raspberries, James Gang, and The Romantics. While Joe Walsh is in the Hall of Fame as a member of The Eagles, his earlier Cleveland band, James Gang, has yet to be inducted. The same goes for worthy Detroit-based groups like The White Stripes and MC5, whom many hope will eventually get inducted. That’s not to mention others like Reo Speedwagon and Styx outside the Rock Hall.
Moreover, Ohio’s Tommy James must still be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On the other hand, performers from the Midwest are in the RRHOF. This includes Eminem, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, Prince, Bob Dylan, and Chicago.
Level 2
You will find the Garage on Level 2, where you can play musical instruments like keyboards, drums, and guitars. In addition, there is a lounge where you can sit back and watch live music acts on occasion. For example, top performers like Lita Ford, Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles, and Nancy Wilson of Heart have all stopped by. That’s not to mention Kirk Hammet and Robert Trujillo of Metallica.
Level 3
At Level 3, you will find the must-see Hall of Fame Signature Gallery. The inductees’ signatures are here from the first class to last year’s honorees. You can trace your favorite music artist’s signature at the Signature Gallery. Also on this level are the New Inductee exhibit, the In Memoriam exhibit, and the Connor Theater. Currently, the Connor Theater is showing The Power of Rock Experience, a film directed by Jonathan Demme.
Level 4
On Level 4 is a massive exhibit featuring a replica of Pink Floyd’s The Wall stage from its 1990 concert in Berlin. Presenting music from Pink Floyd’s 1979 double album, the stage held a 340-foot brick wall, referring to its “Another Brick in the Wall” single. That 1990 Berlin performance is notable for being held at the Berlin Wall at Potsdamer Place. Just months earlier, in 1989, the Berlin Wall was being dismantled.
Level 5 Legends of Rock
At Level 5, you’ll better understand why you need at least two to three hours to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That’s because you’ll likely spend much of a visit on this level, especially if you love rock music. For example, you will see impressive memorabilia displays from many of your favorite artists. This includes Bob Dylan, Elton John, Earth, Wind and Fire, Prince, Sly and the Family Stone, and more. If that’s not enough, you can also see artifacts from Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Metallica, Buffalo Springfield, etc. Also at this level is a section devoted to rap and hip hop, featuring artists like Jay Z, Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy.
Beatles, Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix
Depending upon your music interest, the highlight of Level 5 might be the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Jimi Hendrix exhibits. The Beatles exhibit is extensive and features several rare artifacts, like clothing worn by the Fab Four and musical instruments. Similarly, the Jimi Hendrix exhibit is impressive, with a nice collection of guitars and apparel. As for the Rolling Stones exhibit, it’s not nearly as large, but you’ll appreciate the items you can see.
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About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University.
