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What is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Steve R.
Steve R.

Designed by noted architect I.M. Pei, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a 150,000 square-foot museum dedicated to educating visitors about the history of rock and roll and how the musical genre is still relevant today. Located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, the pyramid-shaped museum opened its doors in 1995. The museum offers visitors seven floors of musical exhibits and artifacts to explore.

The first museum dedicated to rock and roll history, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame continually expands upon its exhibits and artifacts through loaned or donated items from artists and collectors spanning the globe. Exhibits pay tribute to the legends of rock and roll and highlights specific eras and pivotal points in the evolution of music. Chuck Berry was the first inductee into the hall of fame and the museum displays one of his outfits and electric guitars. Visitors can also view unique artifacts including Michael Jackson’s signature glove and John Lennon’s wire-rimmed glasses.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame includes many electric guitars that have been used by rock stars in its collection of artifacts.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame includes many electric guitars that have been used by rock stars in its collection of artifacts.

Several permanent collections grace the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame wing honors current musical inductees. Visitors can explore the 2,900 square-foot facility highlighted by a multimedia presentation that provides the background of those enshrined in the museum. Artists are qualified for induction to the hall of fame 25 years after issuing their first record. In addition, the Hall of Fame wing houses display cases that include the autographs and artifacts of all the inductees. A computerized jukebox provides thousands of songs performed by all those enshrined.

Visitors at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can listen to recordings created by Thomas Edison.
Visitors at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can listen to recordings created by Thomas Edison.

Another permanent collection includes the "Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll." Chosen by museum staff, rock critics and historians, the songs represent the most popular and significant rock music in history. Artists with multiple selections include The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and The Rolling Stones.

The permanent exhibit "Listen to the Music: The Evolution of Audio Technology" chronicles how audio recordings and listening devices have evolved over time. Featured exhibits include a radio from the 1920s, a record player from the 1960s, and a CD player from the 1980s. Visitors can also listen to recordings created by Thomas Edison.

Since its opening, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been a boon to Cleveland. More than seven million visitors have passed through the museum and annually the hall spawns more than $100 million into the local economy. The majority of visitors to the museum hail from outside of Cleveland.

Architecturally, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is composed of geometric shapes and is anchored by a 162-foot tower. The museum spills out onto a 65,000 square-foot plaza. In addition to exhibits and artifacts, the hall is home to administrative offices, a gift shop, and a café.

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

I agree with you Talentryto! I have been there many times, and one of the things I like most about the museum is that their are always different Rock and Roll Hall of Frame Inductees being honored. While you are there, you can also enjoy a meal in the snack shop, and find great deals on music and collectibles in the gift shop.

Talentryto

I love the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum! I visited it on vacation last year, and I stayed for hours. When you are there, you feel like you really get to know the artists. You also get the chance to see many items that they owned or used throughout their music careers. If you are a Rock and Roll fan, you have to go!

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    • The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame includes many electric guitars that have been used by rock stars in its collection of artifacts.
      By: mekcar
      The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame includes many electric guitars that have been used by rock stars in its collection of artifacts.
    • Visitors at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can listen to recordings created by Thomas Edison.
      By: nickolae
      Visitors at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can listen to recordings created by Thomas Edison.