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| - As you approach the impressive exterior, which gives the impression that you're about to enter the Louvre of rock & roll, you can't help but feel that you are in for a treat. While staff advise you to begin at the lower level, I went against their advise on my visit & started at the top & I'm glad I did.
The two top floors are devoted almost entirely to the photography of Herb Ritz. While I admire the man's work - he's photographed so many talented artists & icons, & his eye is certainly perceptive, artistic & timeless, it was a bit much.
Level 4 featured the music of songs of inductees, daily rock films, a nod to Pink Floyd: The Wall & More Herb Ritz.
Level 3 is where things begin to get interesting. Yes, there's a cafe if you want a bit of a break, but you also have the induction ceremony highlights, exhibits honoring legends including Chuck Berry & the Everly Brothers & a film about the many inductees that is sort of an orientation to the hall.
Level 2? You are waist deep in rock & roll at this point. The tools of the trade: Les Paul & his guitars, Mtv & the origins of music television, one hit wonders, the evolution of audio technology & a look back at the history of Rolling Stone.
Level 1 is the museum store, save that for your way out.
The highlight of the museum, & where you'll likely spend the most time, is the Lower Level. You begin with a look at the 2015 inductees. Costumes, bios & video clips. Then you move on to the roots of rock, a look back at Elvis, the regions of rock & roll, legends of rock, such as The Beatles, The Stones, The Who, another theater showing films daily, a rap exhibit for your children with less discerning taste & their current extraordinary look at the life & music of Paul Simon.
Just make sure you give yourself enough time when you visit - there's so much to see. You'll need at least three hours to experience the majority.
Oh, & they really should induct The Monkees. They have a collection of Beyonce's dresses, for Christ's sake!
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