Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

From LoveToKnow Travel

Sitting on the edge of Lake Erie in Cleveland Ohio, like a glistening Moorish palace, is the impressive and unique Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Filled with memorabilia, music, and art from the days of the early blues shouters to the present teen idols, this museum is a must-see for any popular music fan. Designed by architect, I. M. Pei, the Rock Hall, as it is known locally, honors performers, producers, and songwriters from throughout the Rock and Roll era. Among its treasures are hand-written lyrics by John Lennon for Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, one of Iggy Pop’s outrageous stage costumes, and Jim Morrison’s Boy Scout uniform.

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History of Rock and Roll in Cleveland

The term rock and roll was first coined in Cleveland by radio DJ, Alan Freed in the 1950s. Freed was one of the first radio personalities in the country to embrace this new music genre. Since then, Cleveland and the surrounding area has been home to a host of rock and roll musicians, including Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, Tracy Chapman, Joe Walsh of the Eagles, and blues man Robert Lockwood Jr., among others. The city has also been quick to recognize new rock and roll talent, as it did by sponsoring Chuck Berry’s first performance, Elvis’ first northern concert, and David Bowie’s first U.S. appearance.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at Night

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About the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock Hall opened in 1995 after over 15 year of petitions, pleas, and planning. The spectacular, angular, 150,000 square foot building stands at the foot of downtown Cleveland against the scenic and ever-changing backdrop of Lake Erie. Today, it is the city’s number one tourist attraction as well as a favorite of area residents. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience and a delight to visitors of all ages and musical tastes.

Inside the Rock Hall

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The Exhibits

Music is central to all of the exhibits at the Rock Hall and headphones are liberally scattered throughout the museum to allow visitors to experience old favorites and learn about artists new to them. The permanent exhibits include costumes, lyrics, instruments, handbills for concerts, musical scores, and stage props, among other items. Also featured are mementos from the artists’ childhood, such as tap shoes, report cards, and correspondence. The museum also hosts interested and in depth temporary exhibits. Recent installations have included Tommy, an introspective of The Who, I Want to Take you Higher, a look at music’s psychedelic era, and an exhibit of Annie Liebovitz’s photographic portraits of rock stars for Rolling Stone Magazine.

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Visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is open every day to visitors, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission discounts are available for seniors, military personnel, and students, and children under 8 are admitted free. Two-day passes are also available. The museum has a café that serves light meals and beverages as well as a large music store, which showcases the works of the Rock Hall inductees. In the summer, the large plaza in front of the museum is the site of concerts showcasing local and regional musicians.

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