Cleveland, Ohio.
One of my longtime travel goals was met in 2022 when we stopped at the venerable Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The homage to mid-20th-century popular music is a museum dedicated to rock music and a hall of fame. Its genesis began in 1983, and after years of development, the museum opened in 1995 in Cleveland. It houses interactive exhibits exploring rock and roll history, from its origins to its many subgenres. The Hall of Fame honors influential artists, producers, and other key figures who shaped the genre.
The dream of a permanent home for rock and roll legends began in 1983. Led by Ahmet Ertegun, founder of Atlantic Records, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was established. After a nationwide search, Cleveland was chosen in 1986 as the rightful place to honor this genre-defining music.
Beyond recognizing individual musicians, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a resource for understanding rock music’s evolution. Visitors can learn about the genre’s roots and how it continues to diversify. The “British Invasion” is but one example of that diversification.
During our visit, a temporary exhibit featured the Fab Four. This exhibit offered a unique chance to step back in time and experience the creative process behind the Beatles’ iconic albums “Let It Be” and “Abbey Road.” It featured instruments, handwritten lyrics, and behind-the-scenes footage from the band’s recording sessions.
After some controversial comments by John Lennon hit United States Conservative Christians the wrong way, Beatles album burnings became a “thing.” Looking at this photo, I think it was a staged publicity burning. That looks like Dick Clark holding his famous microphone, and I suspect those teenage boys were just jealous that their girlfriends were smitten with the Beatles. I bet that boy with that Beatles album wishes he still had it. After all, what would it be worth today?
With its extensive collection and interactive displays, the Hall of Fame is a popular destination for music fans, attracting over 14 million visitors throughout its history. On the day of our visit, we arrived early with not too many other attendees. However, the museum was getting very busy by the time we left.
In the Garage exhibit, each station features a different instrument (think guitars, drums, keyboards) and beginner-friendly video tutorials to get visitors started jamming.
A throwback to the pinball era is displayed in the Rolling Stones exhibit. This 1980s-era pinball machine, made by Bally, featured Jagger and the Stones. Hitting a specific target on the machine wasn’t just for points; triggering that target generated a blast of the iconic “Satisfaction” riff!
The Michael Jackson Thriller jacket is on loan from the Verret family and isn’t a permanent fixture at the Rock Hall. It arrived in 2022 with high-security measures. The iconic red and black leather jacket Jackson wore during his unforgettable performance of “Thriller” at the 1983 Motown 25th anniversary special is military-style with epaulettes and zippers.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s atrium is a welcoming and visually striking introduction to the museum experience. While it does not have permanent exhibits, it sets the stage for your exploration of rock and roll history. The atrium itself is a noteworthy architectural element.
Designed by I.M. Pei, the atrium features a soaring glass pyramid that allows for abundant natural light and creates a dramatic entrance to the museum. The entrance hall offers scenic views of Lake Erie and Cleveland’s waterfront.
Wikipedia has an expansive entry here for more information about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We spent a few hours exploring the museum, and I took many more photos than I had posted here. All the photos I processed in 2K HD are on my Flickr site here.
John Steiner
Wow! Thanks for all the information, but most of all, thanks for the pictures. I live close to Cleveland, and my kids live there as well. But I have never been to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That may change this summer though. Thanks for the inspiration!
For those of us who grew up with rock and roll, it is a nostalgic place. For others, I’m sure it’s like, “Alice Cooper? Who’s that?”
Ha! Ha! You are so right!🤣
What a fabulous place, John! I imagine you could get lost in here for a couple of hours. Love the pinball machine!
Yes, Jo. It was a step back to my younger days in many ways.
Thanks for this John!
You are welcome!!
How fabulous John. I agree with Jo, I would be in there all day for sure probably, just playing that pinball 😂
Brian, how about a place where you can play historic pinball machines all day for only $15 USD? Stay tuned, it’s scheduled in a couple of weeks.
I’m there but is it $15 entry but have to put coins in the machines. Then there would be a cost blow out unless I found one where I could rack up free games easily 😁
You misunderstood. It is $15 for unlimited plays on your choice of historic machines! It is a really cool place for pinball wizards.
I was just clarifying, now I am there more than ever
This is one place I’d like to see. Thanks for sharing this, John.
Thanks, Nes!
Years ago, when we lived in Cleveland, the company my husband worked for rented the who place for a company party. It was quite something and of course we were able to go through the museum as well. Good times.
Truly a fun place to visit with so many memories of my youth. Good times, indeed!
I loved the British Invasion music, but could take or leave the Beatles after that. I know. I’m one of the few. 😉
I was a big Beatles fan back then, and also of so many of the other British bands of the day. I admit to listening to 70’s music on Satellite radio almost exclusively.
Just wow!
Indeed, a fun place to visit.
A fascinating post! Thanks for “taking us” there to tour the museum.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the tour.
A great post, John, thank you for the tour! I would love to see this place in person someday. 😎
If you are anywhere near, it’s certainly worth the stop, John.
If I still lived in Michigan, it would be an good overnight trip!
John I saw this amazing images 😍 Anita
Thanks, Anita.
WOW! What a visit that must have been. Great photos John!
It was, indeed! I’d love to go back again.
😊