First major redesign of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum nears completion

CLEVELAND - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is on track to reveal its first redesign in 15 years, which will be completed in time for the induction ceremonies in Cleveland next year.  Museum leaders believe the new additions will rock visitors and fans of Rock 'n Roll music.

The redesign project is 80 percent complete, according to a news release updating the project. This is the first major redesign in the museum's history.

The new exhibit spaces include state-of-the-art interactive technology and lighting, and the most comprehensive collection of Beatles' items. Museum leaders say a number of those Beatles items are on display to the public for the first time.

"The Rock Hall's extensive redesign includes the most comprehensive, artifact-driven Beatles exhibit in the world," said Jim Henke, the museum's vice president of exhibitions, in the release.

Henke pointed out the Museum worked with Ringo Starr, George Harrison's estate, and Yoko Ono for the new exhibit.

Some highlights of the new Beatles exhibit are Harrison's striped suit from the 1966 U.S. tour, Starr's red jacket from the "Strawberry Fields Forever" promotional film, and John Lennon's coat worn in "Help!"

Redesign highlights include a new marquee in the main exhibition hall, new interactive displays and listening stations, a new heavy metal exhibit called "Bang Your Head," a new ticketing system in the lobby, and a 50-foot red carpet on the third level.

Museum leaders said the funding for the redesign comes from The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation,The Cleveland Foundation, Cuyahoga County Community College, Forest City RMS Foundations, Gregg and Madelyn Foster, The George Gund Foundation, Kulas Foundation, John P. Murphy Foundation, Medical Mutual of Ohio and the State of Ohio.