The “Live Music Capital of the World” seems like a perfect place to showcase an exciting museum exhibit celebrating the the 60th anniversary of Motown Records. On Saturday, April 13, the LBJ Presidential Library & Museum will unveil a new exhibition curated by the GRAMMY Museum® that highlights the music and culture of the 1960s biggest sounds in soul — Motown: The Sound of Young America.
View dazzling stage outfits and musical instruments from many of Motown’s top performers, such as The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Miracles, and The Supremes. Check out exclusive interviews with many Motown legends. Channel your inner Diana Ross in an interactive display where you can perform The Supremes’ “Stop in the Name of Love” on stage, or learn some of The Temptations’ signature dance moves.
The exhibit traces the evolution of the Motown Records label, focusing on major artists and musical achievements, and explores how the sound of Motown continues to influence some of pop music’s most important artists today. This will be the first time many of the exhibition’s artifacts have been seen in a museum setting. 
“The LBJ Presidential Library’s focus on American life during President Johnson’s administration makes us a natural fit to showcase Motown’s unprecedented rise and influence on popular culture beginning in the 1960s,” — Nikki Diller, LBJ Library Museum Exhibits Specialist
Motown: The Sound of Young America will be on display at the LBJ Library from April 13 through January 26, 2020. While you have plenty of time to check it out, you probably won’t want to miss all the fun planned for the exhibit’s Opening Day Celebration on April 13…
- 10-11 a.m. — Motown-themed yoga on the LBJ Plaza by Practice Yoga.
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Mid-day intermission with free half-slices of Detroit-style pizza from Via 313 Pizza. While supplies last. Limit two per visitor.
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 1-2 p.m. — Motown musical performances by Matchmaker Band
Additionally, to get you in the mood for Motown, check out the fantastic playlist featured on the LBJ website that will have you dancing to some favorite tunes of the era.
Plan Your Visit: The LBJ Library is open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. There is no additional charge for Motown: The Sound of Young America. Regular admission prices are: Adults: $10; Seniors (62 and over): $7; Former military with valid ID: $5; Youth 13-18 & college students with ID: $3. FREE for children ages 12 & under, active duty military, Members, student groups with reservations; UT students, faculty and staff, and recipients of SNAP, WIC, and MAP.
The LBJ Library is located on the UT campus at 2313 Red River St., Austin, TX 78705. Parking is always free in visitor parking lot #38.
For much more info, please visit lbjlibrary.org.
