“Me and my family visited the Motown Museum. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all of the sacrifice, the brain power, and the magic, and the talent from Berry Gordy, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson—all of the legends that paved the way for me to be on the stage today.”
Beyoncé
Motown Museum transports you into an era of musical magic. From the moment you step on the plaza, you’ll be immersed in the Motown sound and will experience a profound sense of history.
On your interactive tour, one of our personable guides will share interesting history, fascinating anecdotes and captivating stories that all took place within the space you stand. History was truly made within these walls.
You’ll experience curated exhibits, the actual apartment Berry Gordy lived in with his family during the label’s earliest days, the retro-style offices of Hitsville U.S.A. and, of course, Studio A—the legendary recording studio where Motown artists recorded some of the greatest songs of all time from 1959 to 1972.
We can’t wait to welcome you. Start planning your visit now!
Interactive Guided Tours
Motown Museum is a museum tour unlike any other—be ready to sing, dance and learn about Motown and music industry greats. Be sure to take plenty of photos and post them tagging #MotownMuseum for the chance to be featured on our Twitter or Instagram pages!
Purchase Tickets
Current Exhibit
Claudette Robinson’s—The First Lady of Motown—accomplishments make her not only an important figure for Motown, but for music history. This exhibition celebrates Claudette’s voice as a Miracle, her role as an artist, and her legacy as a Black woman. This is Her-story.
Current Exhibit
Virtual Exhibit
This year’s Mile, Pushin’ Culture Forward, demonstrates how Motown’s iconic sound continues to be a creative springboard for musicians of all genres and generations. The outdoor exhibit shows the various ways in which contemporary artists continue to look to Motown Records for creative inspiration through covers, samples, and interpolations.
The exhibition shows the enduring intergenerational influence of Motown on music and society. The installation’s eight panels can be easily experienced while walking down the Riverwalk and runs through November 14th.
Virtual Exhibit
Hitsville U.S.A.
The building known for its iconic sign, large picture window and picturesque steps, Hitsville U.S.A. is the birthplace of the world-famous Motown Sound. From 1959 to 1972, Berry Gordy and Motown provided an opportunity for Detroit’s inner-city youth to reach their full potential and become superstars. Countless hits were recorded inside Hitsville’s Studio A, and Motown Museum visitors now have the unique opportunity to tour the legendary space where music history was made.
Studio A
What could be more exciting for a Motown fan than standing on the exact spot where the Supremes first issued their command to ‘Stop! In the Name of Love’, and where the legendary house band, the Funk Brothers backed thousands of memorable Motown tracks. In Studio A, original instruments and recording equipment—dating from 1959 to 1972—stand ready for public viewing. Take a tour, and you may even get a chance to belt out your own classic Motown hit!
Control Room
Imagine legendary producers and songwriters like Norman Whitfield, Brian and Eddie Holland, Smokey Robinson and Lamont Dozier alongside Berry Gordy and the world’s best audio engineers. That’s the vision you’ll get when you pass by the Hitsville U.S.A. Control Room—still housing the original recording equipment and a floor worn from foot stomping to the beat during recording sessions.
Berry Gordy’s Flat
In 1959, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy purchased a two-family flat at 2648 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit. A few months after he moved his young family into the upper unit, he transformed the building’s first floor into what soon became known as Hitsville U.S.A., which served as the label’s headquarters until 1968. Today, Motown Museum guests can view the original period furniture used by the family, and be inspired by the living area where Gordy’s entrepreneurial vision first materialized.