This museum was the original home of "Hitsville U.S.A." the nickname given to Motown Records' first headquarters. The building was purchased by Motown founder Berry Gordy in 1959, and converted into both the record label's administrative building and recording studio. Motown later moved to Los Angeles.

Since 1985, The Hitsville U.S.A. building has been the site of the Motown Historical Museum, dedicated to the legacy of the record label, its artists, and its music. It is owned and operated by Esther Gordy Edwards, sister of Berry Gordy.