Motown Museum Tours and Activities

Motown Historical Museum featuring a city
Motown Historical Museum which includes signage
Motown Historical Museum
Motown Historical Museum
Motown Historical Museum showing signage and island views


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 kilometers) from downtown. Nearby parking is free. City of Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) buses also stop close to the museum.

Plan a trip to see Motown Museum

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown by IHG
ROOST Detroit
MotorCity Casino Hotel

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Motown Museum

MotorCity Casino Hotel

MotorCity Casino Hotel

4.5 out of 5
2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI
MotorCity Casino Hotel
Hollywood Casino at Greektown

Hollywood Casino at Greektown

4 out of 5
1200 Saint Antoine St, Detroit, MI
Hollywood Casino at Greektown
Motown Hangout Near Motown Museum, Henry Ford Hospital, Fisher Theater

Motown Hangout Near Motown Museum, Henry Ford Hospital, Fisher Theater

Detroit
Motown Hangout Near Motown Museum, Henry Ford Hospital, Fisher Theater
Motown BNB . Experience Detroit in style.

Motown BNB . Experience Detroit in style.

Detroit
Motown BNB . Experience Detroit in style.
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
Work/Play Base: Park Free, 10mins DTWN, Fast WiFi

Work/Play Base: Park Free, 10mins DTWN, Fast WiFi

Detroit
Work/Play Base: Park Free, 10mins DTWN, Fast WiFi
Mansion in LaSalle Gardens

Mansion in LaSalle Gardens

Detroit
Mansion in LaSalle Gardens
Atheneum Suite Hotel

Atheneum Suite Hotel

4 out of 5
1000 Brush Avenue, Detroit, MI
Atheneum Suite Hotel
Motown “Music Lovers” Suite

Motown “Music Lovers” Suite

Detroit
Motown “Music Lovers” Suite
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.

Things to do near Motown Museum

Visiting the Motown Museum in Detroit offers a vibrant mix of activities, including engaging theatre performances, live music events, and entertainment. You can enjoy a memorable trip exploring the museum, participate in photo tours, and relax in picnic areas. Additionally, consider combining your visit with a nearby theme park for a full day of fun and excitement.

Shopping

Capitol City, a shopping area 4.8km from the Motown Museum, offers a vibrant mix of family and city vibes. Fairlane Town Center, located 12.9km away, provides a lively shopping experience with entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, check out The Rust Belt Market, 11.3km away, for unique finds.

Recreation

Experience the exhilarating atmosphere at Little Caesars Arena, just 3.2km from the Motown Museum, where you can catch a live sports event. For a serene outdoor escape, play a round at Chandler Park Golf Course, located 9.7km away, surrounded by nature's beauty.

Adventure

Red Oaks Waterpark, located 17.7km from Motown Museum, offers thrilling water slides and a lazy river for family fun. For adrenaline seekers, JD Racing Indoor Karting, 23.2km away, provides an exhilarating racing experience. If winter sports excite you, Pine Knob Ski Resort, 48.3km from the museum, offers fantastic skiing opportunities.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Motown Museum is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy the excitement at MGM Grand Detroit Casino for a romantic evening or head to MotorCity Casino for a lively atmosphere. For a cultural experience, catch a show at the Fox Theatre, perfect for families and entertainment lovers alike.

Find the best attractions near Motown Museum

While visiting the Motown Museum in Detroit, Michigan, you'll find a variety of attractions nearby that cater to cultural enthusiasts and families alike. Explore event venues, modern universities, and entertainment arenas that enhance your city experience. Don't miss the iconic Motown Museum, as well as other historical sites in the area, which offer a rich glimpse into the legacy of Motown music and its impact on culture.

  • Huntington Place: Located 4.8km from the Motown Museum, Huntington Place is a vibrant conference venue that exudes a professional atmosphere. It's perfect for business events and offers a glimpse into Detroit's bustling commerce.
  • Wayne State University: Just 1.6km away, Wayne State University showcases a contemporary campus filled with urban energy. Explore its impressive architecture and diverse student life while enjoying the city vibes that permeate the area.
  • Detroit Institute of Arts: A mere 1.6km from the Motown Museum, this renowned art museum is a cultural treasure trove. Immerse yourself in its extensive collection of art that reflects the rich heritage of Detroit and beyond.

Best time to go to Motown Museum

Visitor numbers around Motown Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Motown Museum is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.3°F (-3.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February26.2°F (-3.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Motown Museum

When visiting the Motown Museum in Detroit, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the GM Renaissance Center, Wayne State University, and Hart Plaza. For budget-friendly accommodation, travel between January and March for lower prices, with Mondays being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to find eco-certified hotels and combine your stay with flights for better deals. To maximize savings, sort hotel prices from lowest to highest and keep an eye out for special offers and great rates to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Motown Museum are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Motown Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Motown Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by combining your hotel stay near the Motown Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.