Museum Expansion
Construction is underway and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s historic 50,000 square feet expansion is starting to take shape.
The new, reimagined space will help engage fans, artists, teachers, and students in innovative ways; allow for more live music and community programming; and deliver an unparalleled economic benefit to Northeast Ohio.
Since breaking ground in October 2023, foundational and site work has been completed, and vertical work is well underway with concrete construction of Baker Hall nearly complete!
By channeling the energy of rock & roll while still paying homage to the existing I.M. Pei building, this expansion will:
- Drive economic growth and impact for the region.
- Expand public access and activation to Lake Erie.
- Increase education space to better engage students.
- Create a flexible, indoor multi-purpose space for performances and community use.
- Increase Museum exhibition space by 40%.
This a free, un-ticketed space allows the public to enjoy and connect through the power of music. The main public entryway into the museum, it includes the community stairs, a reception area and bar, and spectacular views of Lake Erie. This programmable gathering place will greet all fans, students and artists who visit – over 600,000 each year!
This versatile space will reach thousands through concerts, community events, and educational programming each year. A major component of the new building, this adaptable space fulfills our need for a large community commons to operate in tandem with the museum, allowing full operation for members and fans during large events.
The first space of its kind in the museum’s history, this space is uniquely designed and built for the tens of thousands of K-12 students who visit each year. Our award-winning museum educators will deliver impactful programs in this space engaging every student group during their visit. Multipurpose in nature, the Student Center will cater to the needs of our community partners, will expand our already robust school field trip opportunities, allow additional public programs for audiences of all ages, and will be accessible to community groups for collaborative partnerships, programs, and events.
Designed by James Corner Field Operations, the Taylor Family Community Park will activate our beautiful lakefront and will increase community access. A critical step towards Cleveland’s vision for an active, revitalized downtown neighborhood, it will provide to further enrich the area for residents and visitors year-round. We are grateful for the generous support of the Taylor Family, the George Gund Foundation and the State of Ohio, which allows this park to provide better connections to our Great Lakes and Northcoast Harbor. These spaces will also host some of our large free community events, like MLK Day, Pride Rocks, Fam Jam, Hispanic Heritage Celebration, and so much more!
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is dedicated to making a difference. We are an inclusive & welcoming museum that encourages creativity, embraces innovation, and creates a culture of belonging. As a community leader, we recognize the impact we have on all aspects of our society, from economic to social to environmental. Our museum expansion continues this work, allowing us to better serve our community and fans, celebrate artists, and keep the spirit of rock & roll alive.
We are committed to working with and advocating for communities, organizations and businesses to create a vibrant economic environment. We are dedicated to using strategies that benefit economic growth and shape the future of Northeast Ohio. A cornerstone of our expansion is our Inclusion & Belonging work, which matches our impact with our intent.
We aim to make a greater impact than simply meeting company and workforce goals. Our mission is to raise up new firms as well as individuals entering the construction-related workforce for the first time. Working with our partners, A.M. Higley, the GCP and The AKA Team, as well as all possible consultants, suppliers, and subcontractors, we are determined to be a catalyst for opportunity in the entire NEO community.
People. Planet. Prosperity. They’re all connected. We know that the long-term prosperity of the Museum and its expansion is directly linked to the prosperity of our community and the health of the planet. Some of our Expansion sustainability highlights include:
- In addition to moving the Rock Hall vehicle fleet to all electric, we’re installing EV charging stations and bicycle facilities.
- We’re installing a green roof to help reduce urban heat island effects, deflecting sun radiation and releasing moisture into the atmosphere.
- We’re using the power of Lake Erie through a state-of-the-art geothermal system to heat and cool the building, taking the pressure off traditional fossil fuel systems.
- We’re using bird-safe glass that allows them to see and avoid the building, further protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Higley Construction
The AKA Team
Greater Cleveland Partnership
Project Management Consultants, LLC
City of Cleveland
Cuyahoga County
State of Ohio
PAU Studio
Robert Madison International
DLR Group
James Corner Field Operations
Osborn Engineering
Thompson Hine LLC