Reimagined experience includes smaller tour group sizes, a new exhibit
and enhanced cleanliness measures
DETROIT, June 28, 2020– Motown Museum today announced it is reopening its doors on Wednesday, July 15, offering guests a safer, more personalized museum experience in the wake of COVID-19. The museum closed its doors on Friday, March 13, and has spent the last four months developing and refining plans to safely reopen for guests in a way that would prioritize their health and safety while preserving and enhancing the experience. In addition to a reimagined process for guests to move through the museum, photos and videos will be allowed inside the museum for the first time. Motown Museum Chairwoman and CEO Robin Terry made the announcement.
“This has been a challenging few months for all of us, but the talent of our team and the resilience and resolve of our organization to make this reopening date happen is truly special,” Terry said. “We have worked extremely hard to make sure this time was used effectively, and that when we were able to safely reopen, we could allow museum visitors to experience that one-of-a-kind Motown magic in this new environment where safety is our top priority. As we open our doors once again, we are filled with energy and optimism. We can’t wait to share in the enjoyment with our fans, our guests, and every member of our extended Motown family.”
Motown Museum will be operating according to CDC recommendations and health and safety best practices, bringing in additional employees to meet the demand for enhanced safety protocols, as well as regular cleaning and sanitization of surfaces and spaces in the facility.
What guests can expect when visiting the Motown Museum:
Walk-up guests can be accommodated, but guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online prior to their visit.
It is mandatory for all guests to wear a mask inside the museum. If a guest does not have a face covering, Motown Museum will provide a mask.
Guests will be greeted by an associate with a tablet for check-in.
Guests must undergo a touchless temperature check outside the Motown Museum upon arrival.
Guests must complete a short health screening questionnaire for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival.
Terry points to the reimagined guest experience as a reopening highlight, describing a “more personalized and exclusive format. Everyone gets our VIP tour.” Changes include smaller tour group sizes of no more than 10 individuals—providing guests with a greater opportunity to hear about the unforgettable Motown moments and stories that have shaped this global phenomenon. Informative Motown-themed signage has been placed throughout the museum to create awareness of proper physical distancing between guests.
In another new step taken to ensure appropriate social distancing, the Motown Museum retail experience has been expanded to an outdoor pop-up tent facility. Guests can take advantage of new contactless shopping with call-ahead ordering and curbside pickup to have items hand-delivered to their vehicles. Additionally, the museum now offers a new personal boutique shopping service. The result of these changes, says Terry, is that “buying exclusive, Motown-themed items from our store has never been easier, safer or more personalized.”
Guests taking advantage of Motown Museum’s reopening will also be treated to the unveiling of a new exhibit: Capturing A Culture Change: Motown Through The Lens of Jim Hendin. The exhibit showcases the photographic work of label photographer, Jim Hendin, most well known for his iconic photography on the cover of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” album. The exhibit shares his remarkable images to trace the transformation of Motown during the 1960s and 1970s cultural revolution. In an impressive display of visual storytelling, the exhibition details the evolution of the label during this impactful time of social change and protest, telling the powerful stories behind the photography, displaying albums from the era, and presenting a replica of Mr. Hendin’s iconic photography studio. Album covers on display include Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” Rare Earth’s “Get Ready,” Edwin Starr’s “War & Peace,” and the Jackson 5’s “Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5.”
To purchase tickets for the reopened Motown Museum with tours beginning July 15, visit https://www.motownmuseum.org/visit/hours-admissions/.
Updated Motown Museum hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
For more information on Motown Museum, visit http://www.motownmuseum.org.
About Motown Museum
Founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, Motown Museum is a 501(c)(3) not for profit, tax-exempt organization in Detroit. The museum is committed to preserving, protecting and presenting the Motown story through authentic, inspirational and educational experiences. Announced in late 2016, the Motown Museum expansion will grow the museum to a 50,000-square-foot world-class entertainment and education tourist destination featuring dynamic, interactive exhibits, a performance theater, recording studios, an expanded retail experience and meeting spaces designed by renown architects and exhibit designers. When completed, the new museum campus will have a transformative impact on the surrounding Detroit neighborhoods, providing employment, sustainability and community pride by serving as an important catalyst for new investment and tourism in the historic area. For more information on Motown Museum, visit http://www.motownmuseum.org.
Photo credits: Motown Museum