Following major exhibits that focused on Bruce Springsteen, the Grateful Dead and, now, the Rolling Stones, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is riding a hot streak.

Taking up two floors of the Museum as well as having a presence at its Library and Archives and online, “Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction” shows the kind of attention to detail that longtime fans thought was only possible if they were ever invited to rummage through the attic of ex-bassist and band historian Bill Wyman. It runs through March 2014.

The retrospective exhibit consists of hundreds of items from band members, collectors and the Rock Hall that have never been viewed before by the public. It begins with early influences and the band’s formation then chronicles the music, stage and recording gear and personal history from the mid-‘60s through the band’s current tour as “Gimme Shelter,” “Paint It Black,” “Jumping Jack Flash,” “Tumbling Dice,” “It’s Only Rock And Roll” and more can be heard playing in the background.

The artifacts go from the obvious (live videos, early singles, contracts and stage costumes including Mick Jagger’s jumpsuit from the ‘72 tour and Charlie Watts’ mariachi shirt , circa 1975) to intimate (a telegram sending birthday wishes to Muddy Waters, the dry erase boards with the rehearsal song lists for 2002’s Forty Licks Tour and a Rock “N” Roll Circus jacket signed by John Lennon and Brian Jones) as well as items that one would hope are there (Brian Jones’ custom Vox teardrop guitar, the original artwork for the inner gatefold of “Their Satanic Majesties Request” and Andy Warhol’s print for “Love You Live” ).

Several iPads offer an interactive method for people to gain a deeper understanding of the band’s musical changes.

During a media preview Jason Hanley, Director of the Rock Hall’s Education Department, explained, "How do you approach 50 years of music and teach somebody about it in these little five minute segments? What we decided to do was look at the Stones musically. Why are they so important? Why do people love ‘em? Why are they still doing what they’re doing today?

“At the first interactive station it talks about the Stones and their roots. Essentially, the Rolling Stones worked as a cover band in the early days, looking back to the music of Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Irma Thomas and all these other artists, and how they, while learning that music, were kind of going to school. They were learning how to write and record.
“The second station, you get an example of how Mick and Keith developed as songwriters in the mid to late ‘60s. And it focuses on two songs, “Satisfaction” and “Gimme Shelter.” If you’re gonna pick two songs to highlight how they became great songwriters and how the band became great musicians those are really great examples.
“The last one talks about “Miss You.” And what this station does is have you think about how the Stones continue to be innovators and always pulling new things. They’re always looking at the world around them. They’re always thinking about how do I take what’s popular now and bring it into the Stones formula. "

For the first time there is also a fan-generated interactive exhibit that encourages people from around the world to share their photos of memorabilia, artwork, Rolling Stones concerts and more. They will be used in a multimedia display in the Stones exhibit as well as online at the Museum’s Facebook page.

Fans can upload their original images to Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #rockhallsatisfaction.

The companion exhibit at the Museum’s Library and Archives focuses on the band’s tour production from 1975 to 1981, and includes a set list, photographs, stage drawings, fabric samples, lighting cues and more. Also featured are handwritten notes by Rolling Stones Records executive Art Collins who toured with the band between 1977-1982. His notes were used to help determine which of the 1981 performances would be selected for the live concert film, “Let’s Spend the Night Together.”

Despite the band’s commercial, critical and personal ups-and-downs, there is an enduring interest in the Rolling Stones that has gone on for well, 50 years and counting. Asked to explain it in comparison to another major British act, one of the exhibit’s three curators, Howard Kramer said, “You can’t put a thing on charisma. Led Zeppelin had mystique. The Rolling Stones have charisma. That is a big difference. Mystique appeals to some people. Charisma is much wider.”