The Motown Museum announced Monday it has received a $3 million donation from the Ballmer Group, which was co-founded by Steve and Connie Balmer.
The donation will go toward the massive expansion of the museum, and is the latest contribution on the project which broke ground in Sept. 2019.
They have now gotten more than half of the $25 million in fundraising, and construction resumed in May after being shut down temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phase one, which will be called "Hitsville Next," will serve as the educational and creative hub for the museum.
Motown Museum today announced a $3 million gift from Ballmer Group, co-founded by Steve and Connie Ballmer, to further its expansion campaign. Motown Museum Chairwoman and CEO Robin Terry made the announcement.
“In the face of historic global challenges, we continue to see our community, supporters, and our Motown family come together in ways that are truly inspiring,” Terry said. “The momentum and support for the expansion has continued with visionary and committed leaders like Steve and Connie Ballmer voicing its significance. Their belief in the power of community and opportunity is a fitting tribute to the enduring spirit of Motown and we’re very fortunate for their generous gift.”
“Motown represents the cultural lifeblood of the southeast Michigan region, as well as its legacy of incredible talent and entrepreneurship,” Kylee Mitchell Wells, Executive Director of Ballmer Group – Southeast Michigan said. “Much of the work we support at Ballmer Group is rooted in racial equity and helping kids and families succeed. The museum’s programming and their impressive forthcoming expansion reflect that mission. We’re inspired that the expansion will share the story of Motown on a larger scale and welcome new generations of fans, music lovers, budding artists and business leaders from Detroit and around the world.”
The expansion was first announced in 2016 and will grow the museum to a 50,000-square-foot space near New Center Detroit. It will feature interactive exhibits, a performance theatre, recording studio and much more.
