Motown Museum - Detroit

Things to Do at Motown Museum

Complete Guide to Motown Museum in Detroit

About Motown Museum

Motown Museum offers visitors comprehensive exhibits across multiple floors with admission typically $15. Free WiFi is available throughout the facility for visitor convenience. The filtered sunlight through original windows while comfortable seating areas provide rest stops throughout the tour for an immersive educational experience. The facility serves as an important cultural hub for the local community, hosting events and educational programs throughout the year.

What to See & Do

Studio A

The holy grail of the museum - the original recording studio where countless hits were born, preserved exactly as it was with the original equipment and that legendary echo chamber

Gordy Family Apartment

Berry Gordy's former living quarters upstairs, now filled with Motown memorabilia, gold records, and personal items that give you a glimpse into the label's founder's life

The Lobby and Control Room

See the original mixing board and control room where producers crafted the distinctive Motown sound, plus displays of vintage recording equipment

Costume and Artifact Displays

Sequined gowns worn by The Supremes, Michael Jackson's fedora and glove, and other iconic stage costumes and personal items from Motown's biggest stars

The Famous Hitsville Sign

The original neon sign that marked the entrance to what was arguably America's most successful independent record label - a must-have photo opportunity

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, closed Sundays and Mondays (hours may vary seasonally, so it's worth checking ahead)

Tickets & Pricing

Adults around $15-20, seniors and students get discounts, children under 12 often free. You can buy tickets online or at the door, though advance booking is recommended during peak times

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, giving you more space to really absorb the atmosphere. Summer can get busy with tourists, but the energy is infectious

Suggested Duration

Plan for about 1-2 hours to really take it all in, though music fans might find themselves lingering longer in Studio A

Getting There

The museum is located on West Grand Boulevard, about 10 minutes northwest of downtown Detroit. If you're driving, there's street parking available, though it can fill up on weekends. The QLine streetcar doesn't reach this far, so you'll likely need a car, rideshare, or taxi. From downtown, it's a straightforward drive up Grand Boulevard - you'll know you're getting close when you start seeing the Motown-themed street art and signage in the neighborhood.

Things to Do Nearby

Detroit Institute of Arts
Top-tier art museum famous for Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry murals, about 15 minutes away in Midtown
Fisher Building
Stunning Art Deco skyscraper known as Detroit's largest art object, with shops, restaurants, and the historic Fisher Theatre
New Center Park
Pleasant green space perfect for a post-museum stroll, often hosting community events and farmers markets
Charles H. Wright Museum
The world's largest museum dedicated to African American history and culture, offering important context to Motown's cultural significance
Comerica Park
Home of the Detroit Tigers, about 20 minutes southeast - you could easily combine a museum visit with a baseball game

Tips & Advice

The guided tours are actually worth it - the guides often share stories and details you won't get from just reading the displays
Bring your phone or camera, but be respectful in Studio A - this is hallowed ground for music lovers
If you're a serious Motown fan, consider timing your visit with one of their special events or anniversary celebrations
The gift shop has some genuinely cool Motown merchandise that you won't find elsewhere, including vinyl records and vintage-style t-shirts

Tours & Activities at Motown Museum

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