This museum may not appeal to all, because it is hardly interactive, and probably won't appeal very much to the person not passionate about or appreciative of popular music history. The admission is steep ($20 US), but again, if the nature of the museum appeals to you.
If you're pressed for time and can't get in, you can still see numerous exhibits in the lobby and lower lobby, without paying, of course. Overall, there's a lot of fascinating exhibits and memorabilia, but it's not a very interactive musuem.
There collections rotate and new exhibitions come in every few months. Concerts are held there and some are held at their outdoor plaza for free. The actual inside of the Rock Hall is oddly laid out; there are no typical wide open, even floorplans; exhibits galleries are oddly shaped, often small and cramped. Don't expect a smoothly laid-out floorplan, basically. The odd floor space can also be tricky to naviagate with crowds. The lower exhibition hall has the most people-accomodating floorplan. As for the cafe, it serves a few (and I mean a few) simple meals and beverage selections. You'll also find a camera/coat check and large gift shop; coat/camera check is free (photography is strictly prohibited).
Cleveland has had a significant music history, and the Hall certianly has relevance here, even if some do debate the "Birthplace of Rock and Roll' nickname we've got. :)
Interesting collection of music memorabilia!! I have only been here once and that was when there was an exhibit featuring U2. It was fantastic! One should really like music to pay the $20 entry fee!! During the summer months, free concerts are held outside featuring national and local bands. Check website for events and tributes.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can be very cool to see if you really like a band that has been enshrined, or who's exhibit you know is there. I have been there many times, but never really enjoyed it until I saw the U2 exhibit. Then, it was U2 overkill, but still somewhat fun. Make sure you call ahead to find out what is there on exhibit, it does change.
The main things you will see in the museum are instruments and costumes. The basement is crawling with them. I remember saying to myself, "I can't believe Christina Agulera is that small, her butt seems so big in the videos." And you might just say that too. I am a Beatles fanatic, there isn't as much here on them as I had hoped. The Beijing Hard Rock seemed to have just as much, and the rock museum in Seattle had more. Also, I was surprised as to how little they had from everyone else.
Don't get me wrong, it is a good place to visit, and most people who really love rock and roll will not go away disappointed. Mostly, I just expected more. There are some very cool things there, like the record covers that didn't make it or were just too cool to make en masse! For someone who grew up in the area, it was also cool to see the history of rock and why Cleveland is the perfect place for it.
Don't miss it!
Like music? Then plan a few hours to check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame houses exhibits and memorabilia from some of the greatest acts of all time. Memorabilia includes outfits worn during shows, instruments, notes, letters, lyrics and even pictures and automobiles.
There are six floors in the building, with the bulk of the memorabilia on the ground and second floors.
Photos are not permitted in the hall of fame, but you can take them in the lobby.
The building itself is quite cool. Designed by IM Pei (think Louvre pyramids), it is located right on the lakefront and is quite unique looking.
Ticket prices are around $15, but discounts for seniors over 50 are available. Who else remembers most of the groups?
Nice museum and homage to Rock and Roll in a fantastic setting. The museum has a number of video exhibits and displays.
Not quite as good as the EMP in Seattle in my opinion but a must see if you are in Cleveland
A lot has been written and said about this museum and how it could be better and costs too much, etc. Don't listen to that and just go! Although I was dissappointed to see artifacts from crap musicians like Brittney Spears and Christina Aguilera, $20 is not too much to pay to see original instruments and costumes from the greats like Elton John, Pete Townshend, Mick Jagger and David Bowie just to name a few. This was my second visit to the RRHOF and the reason behind this visit was the Tommy Exhibit. It was a great experience for an avid Who fan - me!
I've been eager to see the R & R Hall of Fame since they opened. But on our trip to Cleveland, I was shocked at the price to get in, and a bit disappointed in the place as a whole. Bill says it's cause they didn't have a Cher display when we were there! And.. I DO love Cher!
OK, I'll be honest. We don't particularly like Rock and Roll so we didn't pay the hefty admission fee to go inside here. But it's a neat building, don't you think! Next time we'll go in and check it out ... maybe.
I went to grad school in Cleveland for two years, and visited the hall several times. It warranted several visits in part because the upper floors have rotating exhibits such as a tribute to John Lennon or on Hip Hop. The lower floors cover most all of rock and roll (though my friend who like Pink Floyd did not see anything on them, though perhaps we just missed it).
I went along to the Rock and Roll Hall of fame with no great expectations, but I had a fantastic time. I spent hours in there!
I found the exhibits really interesting and particularly enjoyed the fact that it celebrated international music. When I visited there was a special John Lennon display on exhibited wonderfully.
The museum covers the story of Rock and Roll from its roots right up to the current day. It has a little of something for everyone.
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