Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The Basics

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame holds the largest collection of rock music artifacts in the world, and is the only museum solely dedicated to rock ‘n’ roll. Housed inside a huge glass pyramid on the Ohio banks of Lake Erie, the museum is organized in seven floors and five theaters that showcase the stories behind the music that most visitors have listened to throughout their lives.

Explore the instruments, stage costumes, original lyrics—written by hand—of some of your favorite artists, and more. There are exhibits on rock legends such as the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and the Who, plus the evolution of rap, music videos, and more. A new Hall of Fame displays each inductee and lets fans sound off on their choices for future nominations.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a must for music lovers visiting Cleveland.

• Note that some of the exhibits have mature themes and are not appropriate for young children.

• An on-site cafe offers gourmet coffee, meals and snacks.

• The facility is fully accessible to wheelchairs, with elevators, private restrooms, and reserved seating in the theaters.

• Tickets are available for purchase in advance. Discounts are available for seniors, local residents, military and first responders, college students, and children.

• A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers are available to rent for free at Visitor Services; motorized scooters are $10 per day. You can reserve one by calling in advance.

How to Get There

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, next to the Cleveland Browns Stadium. Take the RTA Waterfront Line light-rail or the free NineTwelve Trolley to get to the museum. If you’re driving, paid parking is available in several nearby lots and garages.

When to Get There

The museum is generally open daily from 10am to 5:30pm or 9pm, but it has seasonal hours plus occasional closures for special events, so check the website or call ahead. To turn up the volume on your visit, plan to attend one of the many live performances that occur throughout the year.

The Road to Induction

Getting inducting into the Rock Hall is a serious process that involves collecting votes from more than 900 historians, music industry professionals, and current inductees. Since 2012, music fans have been allowed to weigh in by casting their votes, and the top five nominees chosen by the public form a ballot, which is then weighed the same with the rest.

Ways to explore

Housed inside a huge glass pyramid designed by architect I. M. Pei on the Ohio banks of Lake Erie, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a must-see for music lovers visiting Cleveland. Book your ticket to this blockbuster attraction in advance to streamline your entry, and spend a few hours exploring immersive exhibits that showcase instruments, stage costumes, and original lyrics—written by hand—of famous artists. Learn more about rock legends such as the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and the Who, plus the evolution of rap, music videos, and more.

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible and has wheelchairs and mobility scooters available for loan.

Age limits

Some exhibits contain mature themes and are labeled for parents at the entrance.

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, credit card (the museum is cashless)

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers

Not allowed

Photography is not permitted inside the Connor Theater and near exhibits with a “no photography” sign.

Amenities

Café, gift shop, restrooms

Address 

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is on the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, next to the Cleveland Browns Stadium. You can reach the museum by car or public transit from locations across the city.

Driving

Take East 9th Street from downtown Cleveland to the lake, where the museum sits along the waterfront. Metered parking and parking lots are nearby on East 9th Street, Erieside Avenue, Alfred Lerner Way (in front of FirstEnergy Stadium), and at the Great Lakes Science Center.

Public transportation

Take the RTA Waterfront Line light-rail to the East 9th and North Coast Station, a short walk from the museum.

Best times to visit

The museum is busiest during the midday hours, so visit just as it opens in the morning to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

Go on a weekday to avoid the peak Saturday and Sunday throngs. Avoid holidays too, if you can.

Best months to visit

The museum changes its exhibits regularly, so it’s worth checking out in any season.

Special events

Check the museum’s calendar to see what’s coming up. It often hosts concerts, film screenings, release parties, panel discussions, book signings, and special exhibits.