Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Where can you see the piano that the Beatles used during the recording session for “Hey Jude” or the original set list for the Eagles on tour? Where can you see original guitars, concert outfits and even the glasses worn by John Lennon? Where can you hear recordings by the early classics like Bill Monroe, Elvis Presley, the Beatles, CCR and Aretha Franklin? All of these things and thousands of other pieces of musical history can be seen at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio,

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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

When planning a visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, there are a few key things to keep in mind to make the most of your experience:

Plan Your Visit in Advance

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a popular destination in Cleveland, Ohio, especially during peak tourist seasons. To avoid long lines and ensure you have enough time to explore the exhibits thoroughly, purchase your tickets online in advance and arrive when they first open the doors.

Order Tickets Online before you arrive.

Explore the Exhibits

The museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that trace the evolution of rock and roll music. Take your time to explore each exhibit carefully, from iconic instruments and stage costumes to rare photographs and multimedia displays. Don’t miss the permanent collection, which includes treasures like Elvis Presley’s guitar and Jimi Hendrix’s guitars.

Tip: Take pictures of the displays as you go because there will be some people you may not recognize at first. Then later when you get in the car, plug in Spotify and search for some of the artists. You may find that you know their music but not their name.

The Garage

In addition to traditional exhibits, several interactive experiences allow you to engage with the music in unique ways. From listening stations where you can explore different genres and eras of rock to the Garage which allow you to play multiple guitars, keyboards and drums as well as an opportunity to jam with the Hall of Fame band.

For those who want to jam with their friends or create an impromptu fan band, the Jam space boasts a full band setup, stocked with real, high-quality gear, where you can participate in collaborative audio and video recording or freestyle jam sessions.

Playing with the house band is a free experience! Just wait for the Garage door to open, pick a song off the set list and make music!

Learn About the Induction Process

One of the highlights of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is the annual induction ceremony, where influential musicians, bands, producers, and other industry figures are honored and inducted into the Hall of Fame. Take some time to learn about the induction process and the criteria for induction, as it provides valuable context for understanding the significance of the artists and artifacts on display.

Things to Know:

• The average visit takes about 3 hours but you could easily spend more time if you watch all of the movies and read more of the displays in depth.
• There is food available at the museum cafe. No outside snacks are allowed.
• The museum is handicapped accessible.
• The museum is family-friendly and has warning signs if the content or displays have graphic content.
• The gift shop has all the standard souvenir options but be aware that the prices are fairly steep. We opted to take pictures as our souvenirs and skip the typical gift shop options.
• There are parking options close to the museum but check the meter timing before you leave your vehicle.

Looking for other cool places to visit? Check out Casey, Illinois where you can find the World’s Largest things in a small midwest town!