Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Unveils 'SNL: 50 Years of Music' Exhibit

June 19, 2025
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Unveils 'SNL: 50 Years of Music' Exhibit

CLEVELAND, June 18, 2025 — The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF) has officially opened its groundbreaking exhibit, "SNL: Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of Music," celebrating five decades of musical performances from the legendary television show, Saturday Night Live (SNL). The exhibit's launch was marked by a special performance from Fred Armisen, a veteran cast member of SNL, who entertained attendees at the PNC Stage on June 14, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This exhibit represents a historic collaboration between the RRHOF and SNL, showcasing all 1,900 musical guest performances that have graced the show over its 50-year history. According to Greg Harris, President and CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, "This exhibit not only honors the iconic moments in music history but also highlights the profound impact that SNL has had on popular culture."

In addition to Armisen's performance, the opening night featured the premiere of the exclusive edit of the documentary "Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music," directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. The film was screened at the Foster Theater, offering insights into the musical legacy of SNL through rare footage and interviews.

Throughout the evening, attendees participated in various activations designed to enhance the celebratory atmosphere. The Rock Hall Library & Archives and Curatorial Teams presented artifacts connected to SNL, while themed trivia games and photo opportunities provided a chance for fans to engage more intimately with the show's history. Additionally, a jam session with the Rock Hall house band allowed attendees to enjoy renditions of songs made famous on SNL, fostering a sense of nostalgia and community among fans.

The exhibit features more than 150 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees who have appeared on SNL, making the venue a unique repository of television and music history. According to Dr. Lisa T. Moore, Professor of Musicology at Yale University, "The intersection of television and music in SNL’s format has redefined the way audiences experience live performance, and this exhibit encapsulates that evolution."

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is accessible to all Cleveland residents through the CLE VIP program, sponsored by KeyBank, ensuring that local fans can enjoy this unique exhibit at no cost. For those wishing to plan a visit, more information about the exhibit is available at [RockHall.com](https://rockhall.com/exhibitions/snl-50-years-music/).

This exhibit not only commemorates the rich musical history of SNL but also serves as a reminder of the show's ongoing influence in shaping the careers of countless artists and musicians. As noted by Dr. Marcus J. Reynolds, an expert in media studies at the University of Southern California, "SNL has not only been a platform for artists to showcase their music but has also played a crucial role in the development of music trends and cultural shifts over the decades."

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame invites fans and visitors to immerse themselves in the landmark exhibit, which promises to be an unforgettable experience reflecting on the legacy of music and comedy that has entertained audiences for half a century.

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Rock & Roll Hall of FameSaturday Night LiveFred ArmisenSNL music historyCleveland eventsmusic documentaryQuestlove Thompsonmusical performancescelebrity eventscultural impactlive performancesmusic exhibit50 years of SNLrock music historyentertainment industrypopular culturemusic and televisioncommunity engagementmusic triviaRock Hall LibraryCleveland residentsmusic legendsartifacts presentationlive band jam sessioncelebrity guestsCleveland museumsmusic nostalgiacelebrity performancesmusical guestsSNL sketches

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