Names like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, and the Temptations all trace back to one place: a modest house at 2648 West Grand Boulevard in Detroit. Purchased by Berry Gordy Jr. on August 20, 1959 with an $800 family loan, the building became known as Hitsville U.S.A. and served as the headquarters of Motown Records. From this small house, Motown launched a string of influential artists and helped define the sound of the 1960s, blending soul, R&B, and pop into a style that crossed racial and cultural boundaries. Motown Records produced over 100 No. 1 hits globally, including many on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of the most successful independent labels ever.
As the label grew, the operation expanded into several neighboring houses along West Grand Boulevard, while remaining rooted in Detroit’s creative and industrial energy. When even more space was needed, Motown took over the Albert Kahn-designed Donovan Building on Woodward Avenue in 1968. It would occupy the building until 1972, when the record label moved to Los Angeles, which at that point had surpassed New York City as the center of the music industry. Motown announced it was leaving Motown on June 14, 1972.
After Motown relocated, the original building was preserved by Esther Gordy Edwards, Berry Gordy’s sister. In 1981 (officially in 1985), it reopened as the Motown Museum, built around her personal collection of authentic company artifacts, photographs, costumes and other valued memorabilia.
The museum was led by her granddaughter, Robin Terry, from 2015 until October 2025. Leadership then passed to Dr. Kenya LeNoir Messer, while Terry remains Chairwoman of the museum’s Board of Trustees. The Motown Museum is nearing completion of a $70 million expansion that began in 2016. Known as "The Motown Experience", the project is expected to open in December 2026 and will unite the historic house with new exhibition, performance, and educational spaces - linking Motown’s legacy to its mission of supporting future artists and entrepreneurs.