It certainly is an emotional experience jobucats. Early in the tour you watch a movie about Motown. As it was nearing the end of the video, footage of the Vandellas singing "Dancing in the Streets" came on, I actually started to tear up, knowing that in a short time I would again be in the place where this very song was recorded.
The only tips I can offer are to arrive as early as possible. My friend and I arrived at 11 am and the next available tour was 1:30 pm. I called a couple days ahead to see if there were any large group tours scheduled for Friday, which there were not at that time, but tour buses were lined up out front when we arrived. The lady on the phone did advise that the busiest days are Thursday through Sunday, especially for tour bus traffic. You might want to visit early in the week.
I have not heard of the museum closing unannounced. I would certainly call a day or two ahead to check though, as you mention. There is currently construction in the area, some of sidewalk in front of Hitsville was actually removed and being replaced. Parking for us was a bit more hard to find as the whole block was coned off, yet cars were still parking there. Being from out of town we didn't want to take a chance of getting towed so we parked a bit of a distance away and walked to the museum. There is a lot of on street parking around the area, so I don't think it should normally be an issue. Hopefully you can make the pilgrimage soon!
Darin
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