Motown Museum

Motown Historical Museum featuring a city
Motown Historical Museum featuring signage
Motown Historical Museum
Motown Historical Museum
Motown Historical Museum featuring signage and island images


See where some of music’s greats kicked-off their careers and learn how Motown founder Berry Gordy started his influential music labels.

The Motown Museum celebrates Detroit’s formidable music legacy. It all began in this house where founder Berry Gordy started the original Tamla and Motown labels. Stand in the studio where hit tracks were recorded, admire the outfits worn by superstars and learn about Motown Records’ inspiring history.

See where it all began in Studio A. Inspect the original instruments and equipment, and imagine the likes of Stevie Wonder or the Jackson 5 gearing up for recording session. If you take the tour, which is included in the entrance fee, the guide might even invite you to participate in a performance. You’ll also see the upstairs flat where Berry Gordy lived with his family.

Learn about Gordy’s dream and his drive to succeed at the Hitsville U.S.A exhibit. Part of the museum’s mission is to inspire creativity, vision, and entrepreneurship. Nothing could do this better than the exhibit that tells the story of the legendary Motown Records. Gordy started with an $800 loan and eventually expanded the company to occupy eight other houses in the area before moving to downtown.

Die-hard fans will love the museum’s collection of memorabilia, rare photographs, posters and performers’ outfits. You’ll also hear stories about the artists, composers, writers and others who contributed to a company that transformed music not only in the United States but around the world.

The Motown Museum’s opening hours vary through the year, but usually it’s open Tuesday through Saturday. During July and August it’s also open on Mondays. The museum is about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometres) from downtown. Nearby parking is free. City of Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) buses also stop close to the museum.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Modern Retreat Near Henry Ford

Modern Retreat Near Henry Ford

3.5 out of 5
1800 W Bethune St, Detroit, MI
Modern Retreat Near Henry Ford
The Siren Hotel, an Ash Hotel

The Siren Hotel, an Ash Hotel

4 out of 5
1509 Broadway St., Detroit, MI
The Siren Hotel, an Ash Hotel
4 Mi to Dtwn: Detroit Townhome Near North End

4 Mi to Dtwn: Detroit Townhome Near North End

3 out of 5
Detroit, MI
4 Mi to Dtwn: Detroit Townhome Near North End
Spacious Detroit Suite: Close to Dtwn & Med Center

Spacious Detroit Suite: Close to Dtwn & Med Center

3 out of 5
Detroit, MI
Spacious Detroit Suite: Close to Dtwn & Med Center
Spacious 4BR Getaway: Perfect for Family & Friends

Spacious 4BR Getaway: Perfect for Family & Friends

3 out of 5
Melbourne Street 275, Detroit, MI
Spacious 4BR Getaway: Perfect for Family & Friends
Family-friendly 4BR Detroit Home: Wifi & Parking

Family-friendly 4BR Detroit Home: Wifi & Parking

3 out of 5
East Euclid Street 607-2, Detroit, MI
Family-friendly 4BR Detroit Home: Wifi & Parking
El Moore Lodge

El Moore Lodge

3.5 out of 5
624 W Alexandrine St, Detroit, MI
El Moore Lodge
AC Hotel by Marriott Detroit at the Bonstelle

AC Hotel by Marriott Detroit at the Bonstelle

3 out of 5
10 Eliot Street, Detroit, MI
AC Hotel by Marriott Detroit at the Bonstelle
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.