That’s not how the residents of the city refer to their town. They call it The Land (from a hip-hop song), or The CLE (referencing the airport code). But all that aside, how the city originally got its name comes right out of a Hollywood movie.
General Moses Cleaveland (with an “a”) was a Revolutionary War Vet and surveyor who laid out the city plan in 1796. The Ohio city is named after him, but according to folklore, the local newspaper didn’t have the room to spell out his full name and dropped the “a” to fit the headline. Hence, Cleveland.
As I planned a road trip out to Missouri, I put the city on my list of stopovers. With this sense of humor, plus the internationally recognized Cleveland Museum of Art and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this was a must-see for me.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame plaque
Driving into town and looking for parking, one can’t help but view the expanse of Lake Erie, one of the big five. And right at the heart of this waterfront neighborhood sat the I.M. Pei-designed, pyramid-shaped home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The glass-tent design was chosen, I learned, because of its edginess, a much-preferred look than a formal square building. To stand beside the sign that pinpoints where the term “rock and roll” originated by radio DJ Alan Freed was a goose-bumpy moment.
Guests entering the museum are welcomed with, what else, a wristband, and the feeling that something exciting is about to begin. First up is the Saturday Night Live exhibit focusing on the powerhouse musical acts that have appeared on the late-night show throughout its history, (over 1800 musical performances), and displays of iconic outfits worn by Wayne and Garth from Wayne’s World, and the suits from the Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake infamous video. Yes, the holiday gift boxes are attached. (Look it up.)
Next, The Revolutionary Women of Rock concert montage was mesmerizing. Trailblazers like Patti Smith and Joan Jett embraced “their authentic selves” while empowering women everywhere. There are more artifacts and instruments on display, including Jett’s pink outfit from her “I Love Rock & Roll” album cover.
It would be impossible to highlight every exhibit, but it’s fair to say that it’s a site music fans should visit at least once, like a follower making a pilgrimage to a holy place. The number of Rock and Roll artists in the Hall are too numerous to mention, but no matter the taste, there’s someone for everyone from the first inductee, Chuck Berry, to this year’s crop which includes Iron Maiden, and Phil Collins. With six floors to explore, it’s recommended to allow two to three hours to see all the levels.
A short drive from the waterfront is the Cleveland Museum of Art, a statuesque building that’s been expanded with one side traditional and classical-looking, and the other with a modern touch; a sun-filled glass-roofed atrium links the two. The proximity to the Hall of Fame makes for a perfect day outing.
Suit of Armor room
The one standout at the Museum was the beauty and careful curation of the galleries, and how each room is visually stunning. The section with the suits of armor, for example, featured various pieces of equipment the knights and their horses wore in battle. An ominous and life-size knight on his steed greets visitors, and in the spaciousness of the gallery, we see tapestries, swords, and shields on the walls or behind glass. Each station offers ample room for browsing, and should one have limited time to visit, this exhibition is worth the stop.
General George Washington portrait
Another highlight is a portrait of General George Washington by Charles Willson Peale. Friend and colleague of Washington during the Revolutionary War, Peale wanted to commemorate the General’s victory at Princeton, NJ. So popular was this portrait, American colonists and fans in Europe commissioned him to re-create similar versions for their own collection.
Tiffany glass exhibit
No mention of the Cleveland Museum of Art would be complete without a nod to the Fabergé and Tiffany exhibits. Samples of both are on display and are magnificent. What makes touring the museum easy on the eye, but also a lesson in art, are the large information panels that explain the history behind the exhibit. For the Tiffany room, we read that Louis Comfort Tiffany developed his artistry from shadowing his father who ran the Tiffany & Co. jewelry store in NYC. Through collaboration with customers who worked with glass, the young Tiffany came up with this technique of using colored pieces.
Fabergé egg
In the case of Fabergé, guests learn the House of Fabergé was a supplier of Russian goods. A team of their artists began creating these precious gold and enamel eggs for royalty and the Imperial Red Cross Easter Egg on display was created in 1915; it was presented to Tsarina Alexandra and her family to honor their work in the Red Cross.
Tip: if short on time, stop at the front desk and a staff member will map out a touring plan of Museum highlights.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Top: Museum atrium
All photos by MJ Hanley-Goff
