Music lovers rejoice: Cleveland is about to crank up the volume on its cultural cachet. The iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is getting a massive expansion set to open in the fall of 2026, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting museum debuts of the decade. This expansion not only enhances an already legendary attraction, it also gives you the perfect reason to plan a weekend getaway to Cleveland, a city overflowing with history, art, food, and fun.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has been a beacon for music fans since it opened in 1995 on the shores of Lake Erie. It celebrates the artists, producers, and innovators who have shaped rock music, from early pioneers to modern icons. The expansion, a $175 million project, will add roughly 50,000 square feet of fresh space devoted to new galleries, a performance venue, student engagement areas, and indoor/outdoor public spaces.
What’s new with the expansion
When the new wing opens in fall 2026, visitors can expect a more dynamic and inclusive experience:
- Larger exhibition galleries: More room for immersive exhibits and traveling displays that the museum couldn’t previously host.
- Performance and event space: A new, flexible venue where concerts, talks, and community gatherings will take center stage.
- Howley Family Student Center: A dedicated educational space for group programming and outreach that expands the Hall’s mission beyond rock history.
- Taylor Family Community Park: Year-round public space on the lakefront that links Cleveland’s city life to its waterfront.
The expansion will preserve the museum’s iconic architecture while inviting visitors to engage with music history in a more interactive, community-oriented way, which is perfect for travelers who want both culture and entertainment in one trip.
Why Cleveland is worth the trip
With the Rock Hall’s new chapter on the horizon, Cleveland is buzzing and there’s plenty more to do beyond the music museum.
1. Explore North Coast Harbor: The Rock Hall sits in the North Coast Harbor area, an entertainment hub where you can stroll the waterfront, enjoy views of Lake Erie, and visit other attractions like the Great Lakes Science Center, an engaging STEM museum with exhibits and an IMAX theater…