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“SNL: Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of Music” Opens May 23, 2025
CLEVELAND (MAR 18, 2025) — “Saturday Night Live” and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have joined forces to create “SNL: Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of Music,” a comprehensive and immersive exhibit celebrating the iconic show’s musical history, storied performances, and sketches. The exhibit opens to the public at the Museum in Cleveland on Friday, May 23, 2025.
NBC’s Emmy Award-winning late-night comedy showcase “Saturday Night Live” is currently in its historic 50th season. Since its inception in 1975, “SNL” has launched countless comedy careers, garnered 101 Emmy wins (the most of any show in television history), and continues to attract the highest ratings of any late-night program.
Through state-of-the-art video installations and a first-ever virtual experience, this collaborative exhibit will bring to life some of the show’s most memorable musical performances—from early appearances by Blondie, RUN-D.M.C., and Mick Jagger to contemporary stagings by artists like Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Experience Highlights
The exhibit guides visitors through cultural touchstone moments by mirroring the flow of the show:
- Begin with the cold open
- Move to the home base stage where hosts announce musical guests
- Walk through a re-creation of the famed Studio 8H facade (unique to this exhibit)
- Create your own moment as host of the show
- See fan-favorite musical sketches brought to life through featured costumes from The Blues Brothers, D–k in a Box, Sweeney Sisters, and more
- Exit through the “Goodnights” section surrounded by displays of 50 years of indelible “SNL” musical performances
Iconic photography bumpers and notable stage props will be woven throughout, and visitors can leave with portraits of themselves in select bumper formats from the custom-built SNL50 photo booth.
Special Features
- Exclusive Documentary: A special 20-minute edit of “Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music” directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson will play hourly in the museum’s Foster Theater, featuring never-before-seen musical performance footage
- Curated Guidebook: A specially printed guidebook with a foreword by former cast member Fred Armisen will be available
- Accessibility: The Rock Hall’s first-ever exhibit with a robust digital companion, offering both Spanish and English translations and additional options for visitors with auditory, visual, and sensory impairments
- Exclusive Merchandise: Co-branded items available only at the Museum store
“‘Saturday Night Live’ has brought amazing live music into our living rooms for 50 years, including ground-breaking appearances by over 100 of our Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees. Along with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, we are thrilled to be joining with our friends at ‘SNL’ to share this exciting story with the millions of fans who walk through our doors in Cleveland or online at RockHall.com every year,” said Greg Harris, President & CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, engaging programs, and the annual Induction Ceremony. Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll represents an inclusive and ever-changing spirit that this non-profit museum continues to champion.
Other Current Exhibits
- “2024 Inductees Exhibit” featuring artifacts from Cher, Ozzy Osbourne, Mary J. Blige, and more
- “Revolutionary Women in Music”
- “Bon Jovi: Forever”
- “1984,” exploring the biggest year in pop music’s history with rarities from artists such as Tina Turner, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, and more
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is free to all city of Cleveland residents through the CLE VIP program sponsored by Key Bank. For more information, to purchase tickets, and to plan your visit, please visit: www.rockhall.com
“Saturday Night Live,” which premiered Oct. 11, 1975, broadcasts live from NBC’s famed Studio 8H in New York City’s Rockefeller Center, where it continues to make headlines with topical humor reflecting politics and current events, while featuring an unparalleled perspective on pop culture and attracting the biggest music stars for innovative performances.
