USA Guide
The Great Lakes
The Motown Museum
Unlike cities such as Memphis, Nashville, and New Orleans, Detroit is devoid of the bars, clubs, and homes of its musical heroes. The golden age of Motown was very much confined to a specific time and a place, and, disappointingly, only at the Motown Museum can Tamla fans pay homage to one of the world's most celebrated record labels. The museum, run as a not-for-profit organization, is housed in the small white-and-blue clapboard house, Hitsville USA, which served as Motown's recording studio from 1959 to 1972. On the ground floor, Studio A remains just as it was left: battered instruments stand piled up against the nicotine-stained acoustic wall-tiles, and a well-scuffed Steinway piano all but fills the room. Upstairs are the former living quarters of label founder Berry Gordy, while in the adjoining room record sleeves, gold and platinum discs, and other memorabilia are displayed. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff will quite happily give one person the full tour.
Address: 2648 W Grand Blvd
Opening time: Tues– Sat 10am–6pm
Price: $10
Telephone: 313/875-2264
Website: www.motownmuseum.com