Last week, I was in Detroit for the BOMESI Summit, a conference that brings together Black-owned media platforms and publishers from across the country. It’s a weekend full of networking, knowledge-sharing, and cultural celebration.
But hands down, one of the best activations? Touring the Motown Museum. And I’ll tell you, if you’re ever in Detroit, it’s an absolute must-visit.
I’m a bit of a documentary junkie, so any chance to walk through Black history is a yes for me. And this wasn’t just a museum; it was a time machine. Stepping into Hitsville U.S.A., the very house where Berry Gordy built a musical empire, gave me chills. You don’t just see history here, you feel it.
Hitsville U.S.A. is More Than Just a Building
The Motown Museum sits inside the original house where Motown Records was founded in 1959. Yeah, that little blue-and-white house on West Grand Boulevard is the very spot where the world was first introduced to artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and more.
It’s wild to think so many game-changing moments in music came from that house in Detroit.
The museum itself was founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, Berry Gordy’s sister and a Motown Records executive in her own right. She preserved the space so future generations could experience the magic and legacy of the Motown sound.
Thanks to her, Studio A—the actual studio where hits were made—is still intact, down to the original microphones, soundboards, and that legendary 1877 Steinway piano.
You Want the Guided Tour. Trust Me.
The only way to tour the museum is with a guide, and that’s the best decision they could’ve made. Our guide, Stephan, deserves his flowers because he brought every room, artifact, and story to life.
The passion, the storytelling, the fun facts you’d never get from just reading placards, he made the experience unforgettable. If you’re planning a visit, try to go when Stephan’s leading a tour. You won’t regret it.
Real History, Real Artifacts, Real Vibes
Beyond Studio A, the museum is packed with artifacts that transport you right into Motown’s golden era. You’ll see the vending machine where a young Stevie Wonder used to grab his favorite candy, handwritten notes from artists, original tour outfits, and business documents that laid the foundation for one of the most successful Black-owned businesses in American history.
It’s one thing to listen to My Girl or Ain’t No Mountain High Enough on Apple Music. It’s another thing entirely to stand in the room where those songs were created. That’s the power of this place. Stephan even had us doing the Temptation Walk while singing the first verse of My Girl.
Expansion on the Horizon
The Motown Museum is already incredible, but it’s about to get even better. It’s currently undergoing a major expansion that will grow it to nearly 50,000 square feet. Once completed, the updated space will include interactive exhibits, new recording studios, a performance theater, and more room for events, retail, and community programming.
A Staple with Celebrity Approval
Plenty of famous folks have made the pilgrimage here. Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Jennifer Hudson. Even Flavor Flav, who couldn’t resist playing a few notes on that famous piano in the recording room. The Motown Museum isn’t just a tourist stop; it’s a rite of passage.
Whether you’re a music lover, a history buff, or just someone looking to experience something real and powerful, the Motown Museum should be at the top of your list the next time you’re in Detroit. It’s soulful. It’s educational. And most importantly, it’s a celebration of Black creativity, resilience, and excellence.
Book the tour. Feel the energy. And if you’re lucky enough to catch Stephan leading the way, know that you’re in for something truly special.
