The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced today that it will break ground next month on a 50,000 square-foot expansion project, which will allow the Museum to better serve its next 14 million visitors from across the country and around the world. Designed by Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU), the expansion will integrate the iconic original building designed by I.M. Pei with the urban Cleveland lakefront, while increasing the size of the Museum by one third. With $135 million raised towards the capital campaign, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will begin construction this Fall.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame addition, designed by PAU under the leadership of Vishaan Chakrabarti, takes cues from the visual language of Pei’s original 1995 signature glass pyramid while preserving its distinct identity as a Cleveland landmark and activating the surrounding streetscape and lakefront. The expansion will feature a new entry lobby and publicly accessible space; exhibition spaces, offices, state-of-the-art education center and a 6,000+-square-foot multipurpose venue.

“The renowned architecture of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is symbolic of the innovation and creativity of generations of music icons,” said Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum President & CEO, Greg Harris. “30 years after we broke ground on the original structure we embark on this next chapter in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s legacy, including expanding the museum’s world-class education and exhibition offerings, and we are thrilled to partner with the architectural and design visionaries at PAU, including Vishaan Chakrabarti.”

“This transformation will expand the Rock Hall’s iconic structure to meet the demands of its evolving mandate: to showcase the past, present and future of rock & roll as the defining sound of each generation’s youth,” said Chakrabarti, Founder and Creative Director of PAU. “Our design welcomes visitors by pulling the forces of the City, the Lake, and Pei’s Pyramid together into a new triangular composition that centers on a dynamic, aural, and inclusive public interior that flows from the streets to the waterfront—a destination that declares this must be the place.”

PAU’s design reinterprets Pei’s organization of solid shapes “dancing” around a central transparent pyramid. A triangular-shaped building interlocks with and extends outward from the original glass structure. Specific programmatic elements are articulated as solid shapes asymmetrically arranged under a tilted triangular roof. Clad in black steel and specular granite, the façade evokes Cleveland’s industrial past while representing a contemporary counterpoint to Pei’s design.

The addition sets a new tone for the visitor experience while responding functionally, operationally, and aesthetically to the existing pyramid. Where the two structures converge, a large publicly accessible interior atrium welcomes visitors, drawing in passersby with circulation pathways that connect the street to an exterior lake promenade. In addition to functioning as an urban pedestrian link, the new venue and exhibition spaces provide greatly increased flexibility to allow for larger exhibitions and events. By weaving indoor and outdoor public and programmatic spaces, PAU’s design transforms the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame into both a lively new cultural destination as well as a civic gathering space seamlessly integrated with the city.

MEDIA ASSETS (IMAGES): 

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Credit: Courtesy of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

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, events, 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).

About PAU 

Led by Vishaan Chakrabarti and Ruchika Modi, New York-based studio Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) is dedicated to the advancement of resilient, equitable, and joyous communities through connective design. With a team of over 30 architects and staff, PAU designs forward-looking environments, including public infrastructure, civic institutions, and social housing, employing a place-based approach that amplifies the myriad histories, aspirations, and traditions that embody our complex and pluralistic society.  Other current projects of note include the prototype for the next generation of air traffic control towers, a proposed redesign of New York’s Penn Station, the planning and redevelopment of downtown Niagara Falls, and the conversion of the historic Domino Sugar Factory on Brooklyn’s waterfront into a contemporary urban office center, opening September 27, 2023.