See where it all began in this museum charting the meteoric rise of Berry Gordy's legendary record labels and Detroit's unparalleled musical legacy.
The Motown Museum is located in the very house where Berry Gordy founded the internationally famous Tamla Records and Motown Records and, in doing so, introduced the world to a brand new sound.
Gordy's inspirational story is traced in the Hitsville USA exhibit, in the hopes that it might encourage others to embark on similar journeys of creativity and entrepreneurship. He started out in 1959 with an $800 loan, and went on to accumulate a further eight properties in the neighbourhood. By 1968 he was in a position to move Motown Records to a ten-storey building in downtown Detroit.
Visitors can explore the real studios, including Studio A, where the original equipment and instruments have been preserved. Stand in the footsteps of some of the greatest musical legends of our time, such as The Supremes and The Temptations, in the very spot where their smash hits were recorded. Upstairs, you can see where Berry Gordy lived with his family.
Marvel at the priceless outfits, posters, photos and memorabilia. Uncover tales about the legendary producers and artists, including Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, that changed the face of the music industry across the globe.
A guided tour is included in the admission price, and is well worth joining, especially as the guides sometimes invite visitors to take part in a jam session.
The Motown Museum is open seven days a week in July and August, but is closed on Mondays throughout the rest of the year. Opening hours vary with the seasons. Catch a City of Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus from the city centre or drive the 7.2 kilometres to the museum. There's also free parking nearby.
