DETROIT – A new era begins at Hitsville U.S.A., as Detroit’s Motown Museum shows off phases one and two of its expansion.
The expansion is an entire campus centered around the Hitsville house but with neighboring houses which will house everything from interactive exhibits to a state-of-the-art performance center.
With Smokey Robinson and Otis Williams of The Temptations watching, Motown Museum C.E.O. Robin Terry unveiled the completion of phases one and two of what is now the Motown Museum campus.
While the Hitsville U.S.A. house is the centerpiece, the museum has expanded into nearby homes comprising an acre of what will be a performance venue, recording studios, interactive exhibits, and a hub for education and entrepreneurship.
Part of the expansion is an entirely new plaza along West Grand Boulevard which will be open to the public this Saturday (Aug. 13) along with food trucks and other treats.
“The last time I was here, none of the expansion stuff was here, they’ve made so much progress, and I’m very happy with what’s going on,” said Robinson.
The Motown legend captivated the crowd at the unveiling with his stories of the early Motown days.
The plans for museum are ambitious, as is the price tag of $50 million. Monday night, The Gilbert Family Foundation pledged $5 million.
That donation brings the total raised so far to $43 million.
This Saturday, the museum, proud of its new plaza, is opening it up to the public. Everyone is welcome to come down and check out the progress.
