As construction continues on the Motown Museum’s $75 million expansion, the world is getting its first look at what’s in store.
An animated fly-through video by the project’s designers takes viewers inside the 40,000-square-foot space that’s been dubbed the Motown Experience, which is in progress behind the historic Hitsville, U.S.A., on West Grand Boulevard.
Pictured are the building’s lobby, exhibit areas, listening room, café, Ford Motor Company Theatre and more.
A version of the clip was revealed in October during a private event for Motown donors and alumni. The video released by the museum Tuesday, May 26, is giving the wider public its first look inside the space.
The Motown Experience is scheduled to open in summer 2027.
Fundraising is ongoing as the Motown Museum closes in on its $75 million expansion target. About $72 million has been raised since the project was announced in 2016.
Museum chairwoman and CEO Robin Terry said the animated video offers a glimpse “at the movement, energy and emotion that will define this next chapter of Motown Museum.”
“As construction moves forward, this preview reflects the incredible support and shared vision of our donors, supporters and believers in Motown’s enduring legacy, bringing this project to life in a way that will inspire future generations through the spirit and impact of Motown,” Terry said in a statement accompanying the video release.
With work underway, tours have been paused at Hitsville and will resume when the expansion is complete. Meanwhile, the museum is deploying its nearby Esther Gordy Edwards Centre with a new exhibit, “Psychedelic Soul: A Journey Through Rhythm and Time,” set to run through September.
Contact Detroit Free Press music writer Brian McCollum: 313-223-4450 or bmccollum@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Get a sneak peek inside Motown Museum’s expansion in this animated video
Reporting by Brian McCollum, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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