The Motown Museum is the name given to the original recording studios and residence of Berry Gordan. The record company, Motown Records is an American Records label group founded by Berry Gordan Jr as Tamla Records in 1959 and incorporated as the Motown Record Corporation the very next year.
The museum has recently announced a $50 million plan for expansion turning it into a 50,000 square-foot entertainment destination.
Motown was particularly popular in the 1960’s for being one of the first African-American labels to achieve considerable success. Motown became particularly known for its unique ‘soul’ music integrated with traditional pop influence.
Artists to have represented the company include legends such as Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson and even contemporary artists such as Lindsay Lohan.
The Motown Museum is dedicated to the legacy of the record label, its artists and its music. Founded in 1985, it is one of Southeast Michigan’s most popular tourist attractions.
The museum claims its vision to be one of preserving the history of the Motown Record Company and also to educate and motivate people, especially the youth.
Made official in October 2016, expansion plans were first announced on a Sunday morning at Motown Museum during a weekend-long series of events celebrating the 60th anniversary of Motown Records.
Robin R Terry, Chairwoman and CEO of Motown Museum made the announcement, saying, “This expanded facility will be an exhilarating national and international tourist destination which will allow us to celebrate on a much larger scale, what the Motown Legacy is recognized for – unmatched creative genius that transcends every barrier imaginable by bringing people together from all walks of life to share in that unmistakable Motown sound.”
Motown Museum already offers four programs as part of its Hitsville Next initiative and the expansion project makes new programs possible to further build on Motown Museum’s role in providing education and resources to newly-emerging artists and business owners in Detroit and beyond.
New Signature programs will begin in 2020, with learning opportunities and mentorships available for young people.
Additionally, workforce training programs will create opportunities for individuals to gain the critical skills needed to be successful in the music industry and in the modern economy.
The new and improved museum also seeks to help Detroit kids learn more about their hometown and feel better about where they come from. The new museum will invite people from all over Detroit to come and learn about the city’s rich history and its contributions to pop culture.
Already one of Michigan’s foremost cultural institutions, the expansion will continue the organization’s mission to elevate the community and provide economic growth for Detroiters and visitors alike.
When completed, the expansion will have a transformative impact on the area, in terms of providing employment, boosting community pride and acting as a catalyst for new investment and tourism in the area.
