(September 21, 2019) The long awaited $50 million expansion of the famed Motown Museum arrives Sunday, with the groundbreaking for the first phase of construction, according to the Detroit Free Press. As part of the label’s 60th anniversary festivities, the groundbreaking will serve as a near perfect centerpiece, with label stars, local dignitaries and fans from around the world in attendance.
The initial work will renovate the existing houses on Grand Boulevard,, including the famed Hitsville building, connecting them with a glass atrium, and creating the “Hitsville Next” section, which will include music classrooms and performance areas.
(September 21, 2019) The long awaited $50 million expansion of the famed Motown Museum arrives Sunday, with the groundbreaking for the first phase of construction, according to the Detroit Free Press. As part of the label’s 60th anniversary festivities, the groundbreaking will serve as a near perfect centerpiece, with label stars, local dignitaries and fans from around the world in attendance.
The initial work will renovate the existing houses on Grand Boulevard,, including the famed Hitsville building, connecting them with a glass atrium, and creating the “Hitsville Next” section, which will include music classrooms and performance areas.
The Motown Museum is in the middle of a $50 million fundraising campaign, and has already received multi-million dollar commitments from such organizations as Ford Motor Company, the Kresge Foundation, the UAW, and, most recently, $4 million from Berry Gordy, Jr.
Ultimately, the 50,000 square foot expanded museum is to include interactive exhibits, retail and meeting areas, recording studios and much more. As Robin Terry, the Chairwoman and CEO of the Motown Museum said, “Our goal is to bring and expanded Motown Museum to the world, to inspire dreams and serve as an educational resource for global and local communities, while creating an international mecca of music and entertainment history.” The updated Museum will expand upon the footprint of the existing "Hitsville USA" site.
We simply can’t wait for this treasure to expand, further solidifying its legacy, and bringing it forward to a new generation.
By Chris Rizik