It’s true…CLEVELAND ROCKS! Especially on my birthday which is when we visited.  I really enjoyed the ½ day we spent at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or as the locals call it The RockHall. Located on the Ohio shores of Lake Erie, the 7 levels of this amazing piece of architecture include exhibits on the roots of rock and roll (gospel, blues, rhythm & blues and folk, country and bluegrass) and the rock and roll of today featuring rap and hip hop. Also featured are exhibits on several cities that have had a major impact on rock and roll: Memphis, Detroit, Los Angeles, London and Liverpool, to name a few as well as artifacts and memorabilia ranging from Hank Williams Suits to the jacket Michael Jackson wore to the Grammy’s to parts of the plane Otis Redding was riding in when he died over a lake in Madison, Wisconsin. Everyone from Muddy Waters to Fallout Boy is celebrated in this amazing museum. The top floor gallery has an exhibit that changes regularly showcasing individual artists/bands. Past exhibits have included the Elvis Presley, U2, The Who, Women Who Rock and, when we were there, The Rolling Stones (which made me very happy). The steep $22 entry fee was my only complaint but as a huge lover of everything music, I wouldn’t have missed it.  If you want to know where rock and roll started, where it has been, and where it is today then this is the place for you. The steep $22 entry fee was my only complaint but as a huge lover of everything music, I wouldn’t have missed it.

My tips:

• Get there early or go late in the day if you only plan on spending a half day or two on a 2 day pass.  We spent just one half day as that is all the time we had but if you like to read about each artist and give each exhibit just a few minutes of your attention, then you will need at least one full day.
• Start on the top floor and work your way down, most everyone else starts on the first floor.
• Garage parking for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is $10. It’s better to park in the train station and walk two blocks. You’ll be parking outdoors, but it’s equally convenient and free.
• Don’t go on Game Day! The First Energy Stadium where the Cleveland Browns play football is right next door and parking and traffic are a mess!
• Become a Member! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is $22 for an adult pass and $33 for a two day adult pass, at the time this blog post was written. If there are two adults in your party and you pay for parking for two days, the price is $86. Better to get a “Duet Rocker” membership, which includes parking for one of the days, and will bring the price down to $85 and allow you to visit for free for a whole year.
• For information on admission, a list of current exhibits, and upcoming events click here.

 

It’s Only Rock n’ Roll…..But I Like It!