Inside the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

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Before you even walk through the doors, the Rock Hall makes a statement. Designed by the legendary architect I.M. Pei, the same visionary behind the iconic glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris, the building is a bold, glass dominated structure set right on the shore of Lake Erie. It's angular, instantly recognisable, and one of those rare buildings that feels like part of the experience before you've seen a single exhibit.

Spread across seven floors, the Rock Hall holds the world's largest collection of rock music artefacts, and the range of what you'll find here is genuinely staggering. The permanent collection alone spans decades and genres, from stage outfits and rare instruments to handwritten lyrics and personal memorabilia. The Rolling Stones have a dedicated presence, as does Pink Floyd, whose iconic Wall exhibit lets you stand beneath a full replica of the stage structure from their legendary 1990 Berlin performance. Beyoncé and Prince are also represented here, which gives you a sense of just how broad the collection really is. This isn't just rock in the traditional sense; it's the full, glorious sweep of popular music and the artists who shaped it.

One of the real highlights, particularly if you're visiting with younger music fans, is The Garage. Found on Level Two, this is where the museum comes alive in a completely different way. You can pick up a real Gibson guitar, sit behind a Ludwig drum kit, play a Fender bass or try your hand at a Hammond organ, all through proper Marshall amps. There's also a dedicated jam space where you can play alongside fellow visitors, and just outside you'll find a collection of rock and roll themed pinball machines that are free to play. It's hands on, loud, and genuinely great fun for all ages.

With so much to take in across the floors, most visitors find that two to three hours passes very quickly indeed. Music fans who really want to do the place justice should consider giving themselves longer.

For full details on tickets, opening times and what's on, visit www.rockhall.com

On top of everything the permanent collection has to offer, the Rock Hall regularly hosts special exhibitions, and the current one is not to be missed. Paul McCartney and Wings opened in May 2026 and is the first major museum exhibition dedicated to the story of McCartney's post-Beatles chapter, a defining and often underappreciated era in rock history. Drawing on the most extensive collection of items from McCartney's personal archives ever made publicly accessible, the exhibit brings together instruments from Wings' recording sessions, handwritten lyrics, original artwork, tour memorabilia, clothing worn by the band and previously unseen photography, all presented within an immersive experience featuring archival video and audio. It's scheduled to run through at least the end of 2026, so there's still plenty of time to catch it.

The Rock Hall's location on Cleveland's lakefront puts you right in the middle of a great stretch of the city. The Great Lakes Science Center is immediately next door, and on the other side sits Huntington Bank Field, home of the Cleveland Browns. A little further into the city, University Circle is well worth the visit, home to both the Cleveland Museum of Art, one of the finest free art museums in the United States, and the Natural History Museum. And for those who want to swap the city for something a little wilder, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is just 30 minutes from downtown, with forest trails, waterfalls and cycling routes that feel a world away.

Cleveland's downtown area is a natural base, with a solid range of hotels within easy walking distance of the Rock Hall and the lakefront. For those staying a little further out, it's a short taxi ride from most central options and very easy to get around.

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Cleveland is a city where music heritage meets neighbourhood charm, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame sits right at the heart of it. Whether you're a lifelong music fan or simply looking for something a little different from the usual city break, this is a destination and an experience that genuinely delivers.

For more information and to help plan your trip, visit www.thisiscleveland.com