CLEVELAND — The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in Cleveland has embarked on its largest renovation and expansion since opening in 1995, unveiling a $195 million, nine-year project aimed at transforming the museum’s physical presence and visitor experience. The initiative, scheduled for completion in early 2028, includes a new entrance plaza, performance venue, exhibition gallery, and enhanced community and educational spaces.

The expansion coincides with an ongoing surge of interest in the museum, as more than 5,400 fans gathered in late September for “Rush the Rock Hall,” a two-day event celebrating the Canadian rock band Rush. Attendees viewed new exhibits featuring artifacts and performance footage spanning the band’s career, alongside merchandise from both past tours and the current “The Fifty Something Tour.” Visitors ranged widely in age, reflecting the enduring appeal of the museum’s musical legacy.

While the museum’s doors remain open during construction, areas under development are notable, including the future Haslam Atrium. This signature component features a 110-foot-long, 40-foot-tall glass wall overlooking North Coast Harbor and the waterfront, providing expansive views of Lake Erie and the historic cargo ship William G. Mather, now a floating museum. The design calls for better integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, reflecting a broader museum trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic toward creating more open, welcoming environments.

“I’m not just creating a new building; I’m connecting the museum to its surroundings,” said Vishaan Chakrabarti, the project’s lead architect and founder of the Manhattan firm PAU. The expansion also pays homage to the original structure, designed by architect I.M. Pei. Chakrabarti noted the challenge of adding new elements without overshadowing Pei’s iconic octagonal tower, ultimately crafting an architectural “collision” intended to evoke the dynamic energy of rock ’n’ roll music.

Rock Hall president and CEO Greg Harris emphasized that the expansion is as much about fostering community connections as it is about music. “We’re pulling in the lake, we’re pulling in the city,” Harris said, underscoring the intention to make the site more accessible and inclusive.

Local officials highlighted the museum’s significance to Cleveland’s identity and economy. Mayor Justin Bibb pointed out that roughly 80% of the hall’s half-million annual visitors come from outside the city, calling it a central attraction for tourists. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also noted the museum’s unique status and its $242 million economic impact on the region, supporting nearly 2,000 jobs. The state has contributed $17 million toward the funding, which is predominantly private.

In addition to enhancing visitor experience and connectivity to the surrounding area, the project includes sustainability features such as a lake-based heat exchange cooling system and a rooftop garden designed to improve energy efficiency.

The Rock Hall’s expansion signals a broader evolution in museum design philosophy, moving away from enclosed, indoor spaces to embrace the outdoors and community engagement. As Rush drummer Neil Peart penned in their 1981 song “Tom Sawyer,” “Changes aren’t permanent, but change is,” capturing the ethos underpinning the institution’s latest chapter.