 Most
Fun for Adults
The surround sound theater which was part of the Jimmy Hendrix Exhibit.
You can sit and watch re-mastered film clips of his live performances in
a psychedelic theater.
Most Fun for Kids
The 500 Songs that Shaped Rock & Roll is an interactive exhibit which
the kids loved. Two people can each wear a set of head phone and listen
to the same music at the kiosk. You can choose from 500 songs ranging
from the 20s through the 90s.
Best ages for this attraction
I think teenagers and above would get the most out of this museum. We
had a hard time with our 8 and 10 year old children simply because they
did not know who most of the artists were. We spent a lot of time with
them explaining things and reminding them of who sang what.
What it's like
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum is truly unique. From the front,
the building is shaped as a glass pyramid. When you enter you see several
large items that are hanging from the walls and ceiling of the lobby.
The gift shop has several choices for souvenirs and takes up about half
of the first floor. Pictures are allowed in lobby only and you can not
take your camera into the museum. There is a free coat and camera check
where you can leave you belongings while you enjoy the museum. Go down
the escalator to buy your tickets and check your camera.
 When
you enter the museum you can watch two short films to prepare you for
your visit. The first is called "Mystery Train" which was taken
from an Elvis Presley song. It takes you back in time and shows some of
the founders of Rock and Roll. You see the differences in the music of
American black people and white people prior to the 1950s including gospel,
blues, country and folk. The second film is called "Kick Out the
Jams" and features artists from the 1960s through today. "Kick
out the Jams" had some language that was a little too mature for
preteens. After you watch the films you are ready to get started with
viewing the memorabilia. Visit the Rock of Ages gallery and listen to
songs of artists to influenced rock and roll. I was smitten by a few songs
of a gospel singer named Mahalia Jackson. This goes to show that all music
lovers will probably find something new for them at this museum.
Around the corner we found two interactive exhibits where we spent a
good amount of time. The 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll has songs
from the 20s through 90s which you can listen to on headphones with another
person. The Beat Goes On is an incredible exhibit which lets you listen
to songs by certain artists, while displaying links on the kiosk to bands
and songs who influenced the group you are listening too.
Much of the rest of the first floor is dedicated to costumes worn by
performers from various genres. You can see outfits worn by pop idols
like Brittany Spears and Debbie Gibson, costumes worn by David Bowie in
his music videos and even Jim Morrison's boy scouts shirt. The Beatles
and Jim Morrison are featured and you can read postcards John Lennon wrote
to his son Jullian and see Jim Morrison's report cards. Jimi Hendrix even
has a theater as part of his exhibit. When you enter the tie-dye painted
room the black light turns all the white you are wearing into a glowing
purple. Have a seat and see Jimi perform live. The audio and video were
re-mastered and you are surrounded by the sound of his guitar as you watch
him play with his teeth and set his instrument on fire. All this is only
the first floor!
See the Slideshow!
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