GIFTS FROM KEN & MARTHA TAYLOR, KEYBANK FOUNDATION, AND CLEVELAND FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT THE EXPANSION AND EXPAND CLE VIP & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is pleased to announce a combined $7 million in gifts from Ken & Martha Taylor, the KeyBank Foundation, and the Cleveland Foundation in support of the Rock Hall’s historic expansion and renovation project. 

Ken & Martha Taylor’s generous gift of $4 million will benefit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s transformational expansion project. The Taylor family, which owns and operates Ohio CAT and Ohio Peterbilt, will be recognized for their gift with naming of the community park that is part of the expansion. Ken, who joined the Museum’s Board of Trustees in 2023, said “The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is one of Cleveland’s and the State of Ohio’s most important and inspiring assets, and we’re thrilled that our gift will be used to benefit the Greater Cleveland community via a park that will be open to all.”

KeyBank Foundation awarded the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame $2 million to continue the CLE VIP program.  The CLE VIP program, which started in 2018, provides free Museum admission all year long for all City of Cleveland residents.  “We believe in the mission of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to engage, teach, and inspire all who enter its doors.  We have seen first-hand how the CLE VIP program has inspired local community members, and we firmly believe that an inspired community drives growth.” said Trina Evans, KeyBank’s Chief of Staff and Director of Corporate Center and Museum Trustee.  KeyBank also supports the Hall of Fame Floor, which recognizes the inductees who are the core of the Hall of Fame.

The Cleveland Foundation awarded the Rock Hall $1 million to support the expansion of educational opportunities and additional community green space in North Coast Harbor. The foundation will be recognized in the All-Access Café – a dynamic hub for gathering on the entrance floor which will remain unticketed and open to the public. Lillian Kuri, President & CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, said “Music and art have been bringing people together in Cleveland for generations. We are pleased to support the Rock Hall in helping to create even more opportunities for community members to access and engage with this powerful asset.”

All gifts come at a pivotal time in the Museum’s history.  “We’re very grateful for the gifts from these trusted and long-time partners,” said Rock & Roll Hall of Fame President & CEO Greg Harris.  “All three major gifts will play a vital role in continuing the exceptional relationship between the Rock Hall and the Cleveland community.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s historic and transformational expansion will drive economic impact, increase public access and activation, increase educational and community program space, increase museum exhibition space by 40%, and create an indoor multi-purpose space.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame generates a significant economic impact for Northeast Ohio.  More than half a million guests visit the Museum each year, generating an annual regional impact of $225 million.  Since 80% of these visitors live outside of the region, the Museum generates more than $140 million in direct spending to support Ohio businesses, supports 1,800 jobs, and generates $21 million in state and local taxes annually.  The expansion will generate at least an additional $20 million in economic impact, adding 150 jobs, an additional $97 million in state and local taxes, and an additional $1.1 million in new state and local tax revenues.

For more information and the latest updates on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s expansion project, please visit www.rockhall.com.

ABOUT THE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME

Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all. We share stories of the people, vents, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, engaging programs, and our annual Induction Ceremony. We intentionally foster a diverse, equitable, educational nonprofit Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Join the millions who love rock & roll as much as you do. Visit us in Cleveland, Ohio or at rockhall.com and follow us on Facebook (@rockandrollhalloffame), Instagram (@rockhall), Twitter (@rockhall), TikTok (@RockHallFame), and YouTube (youtube.com/rockhall).

For More Information Contact:

J.R. Johnson
[email protected]

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