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Paisley Park

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Paisley Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Prince: The Minnesota Experience

Just a short trip from Mall of America and Bloomington, you can step into The Purple One’s beloved studio and home and party like it’s 1999.

If there is one place Prince loved more than any other, it was his birthplace and lifelong home of Minnesota. His passion for his Minnesotan roots and the local music culture ran so deep that he built his home filled with music, Paisley Park , right near the Twin Cities and was a regular at many local establishments. The unique artist home and studio space was where the late Prince welcomed celebrated artists and neighbors for a creative, collaborative escape. Today it is still a space open to the public for tours and open at night for special inspiring arts and cultural events with the mission to promote diverse artists.

content, rooms and studio areas, a chance to see more Prince artifacts and an exclusive photo opportunity in a limited access area. For the ultimate fan, book the three-hour Ultimate Experience and see even more exclusive content, additional rooms, have a private screening of exclusive video footage of Prince in his editing suite and hear some of his never-released music. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Finish off your trip with something sweet and enjoy Prince’s favorite dessert, a slice of turtle cheesecake from Cheesecake Funk . Since 2013, a local baker, Vanessa Drews, has been baking sweet treats for Paisley Park events and has now expanded her cheesecake business to be served at establishments across the Twin Cities. For a full list of places to try Prince’s favorite cheesecake, please click here .

Whether you know every Prince song by heart or just admire the mark he has made on the music industry, Minnesota is the perfect place to be inspired by the beloved Prince.

DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Airport

Across the street from IKEA and Mall of America®, this hotel is perfectly situated for Bloomington adventures. Enjoy complimentary shuttle service to MOA. At the end of the day, relax in our lush courtyard featuring a gazebo and more! Book Now

Sheraton Bloomington Hotel

Tucked away from the bustle of Mall of America®, Sheraton offers a true getaway near the Twin Cities. Enjoy a great stay in a well-appointed room, complimentary Starbucks® coffee, and more. Book Now

Radisson Blu Mall of America

Connected directly to the Mall of America®, indulge in a luxurious room, dine at the world-class FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar and all that the Mall of America has to offer at your doorstep. Book Now

JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America

Experience luxury, be connected to Mall of America and be minutes from MSP Airport. Our hotel is designed as a treat for the senses for both business and leisure travelers. Book Now

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A stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Minnesota includes passes to the indoor water park that offers multiple attractions to swim, splash and slide! Your weatherproof family vacation starts here. Learn More

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The Prince Legacy Tour: Sights & Sounds of Minneapolis 

Join us as we honor the life of Prince, one of the greatest musical legends to emerge from the Twin Cities! Offered on special commemorative dates (or by private booking), this carefully curated itinerary takes you to locations where he lived, frequented, and enjoyed life in his hometown, including Paisley Park! You'll gain a better understanding of why Prince chose to remain in the Twin Cities after becoming a mega-star.  This tour does not include an inside visit to Paisley Park.

Tour Information

• 10am - 1pm April 18 & June 6, 2020
• Other dates and times by private booking
• First Avenue Night Club (Purple Rain Movie) 
• Childhood home 
• Purple Rain House 
• Downtown Minneapolis 
• Schmitt Music Mural 
• Orpheum Theater
• Electric Fetus
• Underground Graffiti Tunnel 
• Prince Mural
• Paisley Park (Outside Only, Inside Tour sold separately) 
• $80 per person
• Starting and ending location is Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center ( 505 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis MN 55402 )

Join us as we honor the life of Prince, one of the greatest musical legends to emerge from the Twin Cities! Offered on special commemorative dates (or by private booking), this exciting bus tour takes you to all the important sites that played a role in creating the rock icon Prince eventually became. From important places of his youth to some of the venues he performed in, you’ll gain a better understanding of why Prince chose to remain in the Twin Cities after becoming a mega-star. This 3-hour bus tour allows you to experience the same places Prince did, and is a must-see for any serious Prince fan!  Option available to add on a tour of Paisley Park at an additional cost, based on availability. This tour does not include an inside visit to Paisley Park.

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Prince House Minnesota: Details From Our Exclusive Paisley Park Tour

Prince 's house photos.

Updated on November 20, 2023

April 2018 marks two years since the world lost Prince. The Oscar and Grammy winner certainly left his mark on this planet, but he also left an indelible mark on his home state of Minnesota. Prince house Minnesota, Paisley Park, still sits in the suburbs of Minneapolis. We were wondering, what happened to it once Prince passed away?

Where does Prince live in Minnesota?

Prince house is in Chanhassen, Minnesota, which is about 20 miles southwest of Minneapolis. He constructed this massive compound in 1987 and called it Paisley Park after his song of the same name.

Architect Bret Theony designed the 65,000 square-foot Paisley Park, and it cost $10 million to build.

After you walk into the front of the home into the lobby, you will first notice the symbol Prince used when he changed his name from Prince to the symbol. You will also see grand second-floor balconies and clouds painted on the walls. The ceiling is made up of pyramid-shaped skylights.

The first floor has a production complex including recording studios, a sound stage, and a rehearsal hall. The recording studios included no windows so that Prince could utilize the space without having to know what time of day it was; therefore, he could work at any time.

The second floor includes private quarters, executive offices, and a vault. This is where Prince kept his unreleased, rare music, master recordings, and video recordings.

The home also includes a music room donned with purple lighting and a nightclub that could hold 100 people. Can you even imagine the dance parties?

Aleks and Tucker, our Velvet Ropes founders, we’re part of the very first tour of Paisley Park in October 2016. Below is photographic proof 😉

Check out the in-depth coverage of our first-ever tour of Paisley Park!

Does Prince still own Paisley Park?

His estate does, yes. After his death, Paisley Park was turned into a museum to honor Prince’s legacy. He planned it all along. Think Elvis’ Graceland. Now legions of Prince fans can have unprecedented access to his once private estate and musical sanctuary.

Fans can take tours of the complex and view his personal archives, including iconic concert wardrobe, awards, musical instruments, and unique artwork. And based on the experience they choose, it varies.

A 70-minute general tour takes guests into the first floor, which includes the recording studios, concert hall, and nightclub. The most emotional part of the tour is by far the urn which houses Prince’s remains that sits in the first-floor atrium.

A VIP tour takes guests through additional rooms and includes a photo opportunity. The “Ultimate Experience” tour is basically the VIP tour with exclusive access to new spaces and exhibits. And if you are looking for a party, “Paisley Park After Dark” offers a DJ Dance Party in the NPG Music Club.

Aleks and Tucker were fortunate enough to take the VIP tour. It’s definitely worth the extra bucks as you get access to Prince’s studios, a photo with his piano, even the chance to play on his ping pong table!

Where is Paisley Park?

Paisley Park Studios is where Prince lived until his death. It’s located in the Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen.

Did Prince have any children?

Prince had one son, Amiir Nelson, born on October 16, 1996, with his then-wife Mayte Garcia. However, he passed one week later due to Pfeiffer Syndrome, a genetic disorder that includes the fusing of skull bones which affects the shape of the baby’s head and face. Prince was forever affected by this and rarely, some say never, spoke about it.

Was Prince ever married?

While Prince had many famous love interests in life, including Kim Basinger, Madonna, Vanity, Sheila E., and Carmen Electra, he only married twice.

He met Mayte Garcia in 1990 when she was 16 years old. He became her guardian after she moved into Paisley Park. The couple married on Valentine’s Day 1996. Their only son was born the following October but sadly passed away one week after birth. The couple divorced in 2000.

Prince married Manuela Testolini in 2001 but divorced in 2006. He never married again.

What is Prince’s real name?

Prince was born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958. But he was simply known as Prince throughout his career. He did change his name to an unpronounceable symbol after a dispute with his record label. When spoken, the public referred to him as the artist formerly known as Prince. What happened to the artist formerly known as Prince? He ditched the symbol as his name in 2000 and returned to his given name.

Who are prince’s parents?

Prince was born to Mattie Della, a jazz singer, and John Lewis Nelson, a pianist, and songwriter. They named their son after John’s stage name, Prince. He also had a band called the Prince Rogers Trio. Prince had a younger sister named Tyka, who was born in 1960.

Prince’s parents divorced when he was ten years old, and his mother remarried Hayward Baker, with whom he had a strained relationship. They had a son named Omarr.

Prince lived with his parents in the Minneapolis area throughout his entire childhood.

What happened to the singer Prince?

Prince adamantly refused to drink alcohol or use recreational drugs throughout his entire career. However, an autopsy revealed that Prince died from an accidental drug overdose of fentanyl. Some say the drug is 50 times more powerful than heroin.

It then came out that the icon was addicted to prescription pills. Authorities searched Paisley Park to find massive amounts of prescription pill bottles prescribed to varying people.

A tragedy for sure. Many close to him say they knew he has incredible pain from years of performing but had no idea he had such a severe dependence on the deadly drugs.

When did the singer Prince die? Prince passed away April 21, 2016, at his home, Paisley Park, in Chanhassen, MN.

How tall was Prince?

Though the singer seemed larger than life, Prince was actually rather small in stature. He was only 5 feet 2 inches. It just goes to show, size doesn’t really matter!

What was Prince’s ethnicity?

Prince was born and raised in America; therefore, he is American. However, his descendants are African American. All four of his grandparents can be traced back to Louisiana. Genealogist Megan Smolenyak says six out of eight of his great-grandparents were born into slavery, while one of them could be the daughter of her owner.

How many Grammys does Prince have?

Throughout his extensive career, Prince earned 38 Grammy nominations. Among those, he won eight.

1984 – 27th Annual Grammy Awards

• Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group: Purple Rain – Music from the Motion Picture
• Best Rhythm & Blues Song: “I feel for You”
• Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture: Purple Rain

1985 – 28th Annual Grammy Awards

• President’s Merit Award

1986 – 29th Annual Grammy Awards

• Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group: “Kiss”

2004 – 47th Annual Grammy Awards

• Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: “Call My Name”
• Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: “Musicology”

2007 – 50th Annual Grammy Awards

• Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: “Future Baby Mama”

How many albums does Prince have?

Prince released 80 albums throughout his life, 39 of those studio albums:

• For You (1978)
• Prince (1979)
• Dirty Mind (1980)
• Controversy (1981)
• 1999 (1982)
• Purple Rain (1984)
• Around the World in a Day (1985)
• Parade (1986)
• Sign o’ the Times (1987)
• Lovesexy (1988)
• Batman (1989)
• Graffiti Bridge (1990)
• Diamonds and Pearls (1991)
• Love Symbol Album (1992)
• Come (1994)
• The Black Album (1994)
• The Gold Experience (1995)
• Chaos and Disorder (1996)
• Emancipation (1996)
• Crystal Ball/The Truth (1998)
• The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale (1999)
• Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic (1999)
• The Rainbow Children (2001)
• One Nite Alone… (2002)
• Xpectation (2003)
• N.E.W.S (2003)
• Musicology (2004)
• The Chocolate Invasion (2004)
• The Slaughterhouse (2004)
• 3121 (2006)
• Planet Earth (2007)
• Lotusflow3r/MPLSound (2009)
• 20Ten (2010)
• Plectrumelectrum (2014)
• Art Official Age (2014)
• HITnRUN Phase One and Two (2015)

How old was Prince in Purple Rain?

Prince was 26 when he made the rock musical movie Purple Rain. The film was developed to showcase his talents and was semi-autobiographical of his own life. While it was only budgeted at just over $7 million to make, it grossed over $70 million.

Prince released the soundtrack album, Purple Rain, the same year the film was released. He wrote all of the songs on the album and every song was performed by him and his band The Revolution.

Several singles from the album were huge hits for Prince. “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy,” both reached number one in the U.S. “Purple Rain” reached number two and “I Would Die 4 U” reached number eight. The album itself also was number one on Billboard’s 200 charts.

How many songs has prince written?

Prince wrote hundreds of songs over his career, over 1,300, in fact. But there were many songs written by Prince for other artists that you may be surprised to know. What songs did Prince write?

The 1980s were very good to the purple one. He wrote “Manic Monday” for the Bangles in 1986, “Stand Back” for Stevie Nicks in 1983, and “I Feel for You” for Chaka Khan in 1984. He also wrote a little song called “Nothing Compares 2 U” for Sinead O’Connor in 1990.

http://www.businessinsider.com/paisley-park-studios-pictures-2016-8#in-the-wake-of-princes-death-fans-have-turned-paisley-park-renowned-in-minneapolis-and-its-outskirts-into-a-memorial-for-the-musician-8 https://officialpaisleypark.com/pages/paisley-park-tours https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pfeiffer_syndrome https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician) https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/3379340/prince-death-cause-how-old-purple-rain/ https://www.celebheights.com/s/-Prince-1332.html http://ethnicelebs.com/prince https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/prince https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_albums_discography https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_Rain_(album)

http://www.princevault.com/index.php?title=A-Z_song_list http://www.businessinsider.com/songs-written-by-prince-other-artists-2017-4#manic-monday-the-bangles-1986-1

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Ashley Weyler, or simply Smash as her friends call her, is a freelance writer from Philly. She spends most of her time writing, watching movies and TV, singing karaoke, and cheering on her beloved Philly sports teams. She believes that Julia Roberts is her fake best friend. Her love for Hollywood, glam, and awards season is most accurately displayed on her blog, Glitzy Gal. You can also check out her on Twitter @smashleydubs which is mostly live tweeting of the Bachelor.

Paisley Park Tours: Walking in the Footsteps of Prince

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It would not be a visit to Minneapolis without a trip to the former studio of one of its most popular former residents, and you can do this today through Paisley Park tours. One of the most famous, and most beloved, residents Minneapolis ever knew who was known to the city, the country, and the world, simply as Prince.

You have the opportunity to tour his former home and studio to learn all about this talented musician. Walk through the halls and rooms that provided him inspiration and see what was important to him.

Here’s a detailed look at Paisley Park Tours, including all of the information you need to visit.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read  full disclosure  for more information.

My Thoughts on Prince

I enjoyed Prince during his heyday in the 80s with my big hair and scary bright blue makeup (no, there will be no photo evidence). Though I enjoyed his music, I can’t say I was a huge fan of his and once the clock struck and the year 1999 was over, I simply appreciate a song here or there that I heard on the radio.

I didn’t follow him, and I didn’t really understand the significance of the era of “the Artist Formerly Known as Prince.” After going on the Paisley Park Tours, I’m a bit sad that I didn’t follow him more closely as he was an incredible artist. Truly incredible. Perhaps this post is my way of making up for my lack of fandom, but I will say anyone with even a passing curiosity about him will really enjoy this tour.

Prince Rogers Nelson was a singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, dancer, actor, and filmmaker. He was an incredible artist whose talent with more than 26 instruments was self-taught, which is pretty amazing. Prince was known throughout his long career which spanned four decades for his artistic innovation and his flamboyant appearances. He was one of the top-selling artists of all time selling over 100 million records.

Prince wrote his first song at the age of 7, called “Funk Machine.” His second album went platinum in 1979. However, he really hit the consciousness of the country in 1984 when he starred in the film, Purple Rain, and created the soundtrack. According to Rolling Stone , the Purple Rain soundtrack is number 72 of the top 500 hits of all time.

In 1993, in rebellion against his record label, Warner Brothers, Prince adopted the “love symbol” as his stage name, a combination of male and female symbols. He was referred to as “the artist formerly known as Prince.” Once his contract ended in 2000 he stopped using this and went back to Prince as his stage name.

He continued collaborating with other artists with his guitar, songwriting, and voice and amassed a tremendous body of work until his death in 2016. Prince was a consummate entertainer, always trying something new and pushing into new areas of artistic creation.

The country lost a legend, and Minneapolis lost a local hero.

Paisley Park

Paisley Park is the $10M 65,000-square foot recording and production complex Prince started building in the mid-1980s. It was the realization of his dream to create an all-purpose building to fan the flames of his talent and that of others.

He always loved paisley and thought it was a metaphor for flowing and he enjoyed that visual in relation to his work. Music and creativity are ever-flowing.

Prince produced, performed, and recorded a lot of his work here, and many other notable musicians recorded there as well including Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Madonna, and others. It is a unique space designed to nurture his musical talents and that of others.

Prince held many spontaneous performance events here, inviting the public into the NPG Music Club or the Sound Stage for epic sets of live music that went on throughout the night.

In his words on the website, “Paisley Park is pretty much representative of everything I am musically.”

He planned for opening Paisley Park to tours after he was gone and to make it a museum of sorts, and left very specific instructions as to how he wanted his life within the walls to be displayed. Step inside to feel what it was like to be awash with so much creativity and talent.

Paisley Park Tours

There are several tour options available and they must be purchased online in advance of your visit. Tickets are not sold onsite at the residence. Pass the velvet rope for the tour of your choice.

General Admission

General Admission tickets are available for $48.

Tour Length

This is a guided tour that lasts approximately 90 minutes.

What You See

• Main floor including the recording studios
• Soundstage and concert hall where tour rehearsals were held and where his private concerts were
• Private NPG Music Club

The VIP tour cost is $90.

This is a guided tour with an expert guide for around 2 hours.

You see all of the rooms in the General Admission tour as well as:

• Prince’s rehearsal rooms and video editing suites
• Additional rooms and studio areas
• Additional artifacts from the archives
• Exclusive photo opportunity

On Thursdays, VIP tours record live vocals over a short segment of a Prince song in Studio B. The Mix is available for purchase.

The “Ultimate Experience”

This tour is offered only on select Sundays and every Monday, Friday, and Saturdays.

The Ultimate Experience tour costs $160.

This tour lasts for 2.5 to 3 hours.

You will see everything from the General Admission and VIP Tours as well as:

• Access to all three studios onsite: A, B, and C
• View a private screening of exclusive video footage in the editing suite
• Special audio playback session in the Studio B control room
• View additional archive items not available to the other tours

Paisley Park Tours After Dark

Note: This tour isn’t currently offered, however, they are showing “After Dark” events on the events page. Keep an eye on the site to see if they bring it back. It would be worth it!!

This tour cost is $60.

This tour is on two Saturday nights a month only and is in the tradition of the Paisley Park After Dark events that Prince hosted.

This tour is in the spirit of the Paisley Park After Dark late-night events Prince hosted. The tour includes:

• General Admission tour
• Live DJ dance party in the NPG Music Club Room
• Stay onsite until 11 p.m. when the event ends

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My Paisley Park Tour

I went on the General Admission tour and my mind was blown pretty much after passing the velvet rope. The room I walked into is a massive entryway with over-the-top artwork of sky and clouds and doves flying around covered with symbolism with his symbol on the floor. It gives a sense of free-flowing creativity.

There are a number of small rooms off the large room as you walk in with outfits he wore, guitars, awards, and other things Prince.

Little Kitchen

There is a little kitchen (aptly named the same) which includes some retro tables and benches covered in leather with black and white stripes. At the other end, there is a sofa with a television as well as a telecaster guitar displayed. Our guide said there used to be raging parties here on weekends.

Nearby is Studio A where LoveSexy, Diamonds & Pearl, and Batman were recorded. James Brown, Aretha Franklin, REM, and Madonna also recorded in Studio A. Prince believed that people should make music together and share equally. On display is a drum machine and synthesizer used in “When the Doves Cry.”

Prince wasn’t only the artist but also acted as a recording engineer and producer. The main booth hosts a chair so he could do these simultaneously instead of the typical standing setup. There are several other booths in this studio for other vocals, drums, and synthetics.

We got to listen to a new piece not yet released called, “Rough Enough.”

Influence Hallway

This area is a large mural that covers both sides of the hallway covered with the artists who influenced Prince’s work. Some of the people listed were expected, and others were a bit of a surprise. The artists included Mitchell, Hendrix, Armstrong, Brown, Davis, Ray Vaughn Clinton, and contemporaries like Tower of Power, Wendy and Lisa, Apolonia, Jimmy Jam, Chaka Kahn, and others.

1st Ave And 7th Street Downtown Danceteria

This room is a dedication to Purple Rain. It was a dance studio where he did the choreography for his movies. The walls are covered with pictures from Purple Rain and the center of the room has a display with his motorcycle, outfits, guitar, a keyboard, all from the movie

Movie Rooms

Next were several rooms dedicated to some of his other movies including Under the Cherry Moon and Graffiti Bridge. The walls in each room were covered in pictures and images from the movie and the room contained many items from the movie including outfits he wore, drum kits, guitars, and other items. All of these were designed post-humously based on his instructions found on his laptop.

History Hallway

Prince supervised the installation of this hallway with many of his awards and achievements. It includes his first album released when he was 19 in 1978. The walls in this area have most of his awards anywhere inside or outside the building.

There are also key images from different periods of time in his life, including the period of time from 1993 to 2000 when he felt enslaved by his Warner Brother publishing contract. His five self-published albums paved the way for other artists to emancipate themselves from record labels.

The centerpiece in this room is a Schimmel Pegasus grand piano worth around $200k. It’s very rare and there are only a few in the world. This one has a hydraulic lid on it. The room served as a relaxation room for Prince and there are pinball machines as well.

Sound Stage

The Graffiti Bridge film was recorded here as well as many others. There is a red light over the door and a large stage lined with many of Prince’s outfits through the years. Some of the suits had sparkles and one features a sky with clouds on it.

There are three cars towards one end of the room: a white BMW Z3, a Purple Plymouth Growler, and a robin-egg blue Bentley.

The room also features two large purple chairs that look like thrones and a large projector showing clips of Prince through the years.

NPG Music Club

The last room on the tour was the NPG, New Power Generation, Music Club. This is where he had his epic events and fans came to party with him and he’d play well into the night. It was often announced on social media and people would line up hoping they could get in.

Towards the back of the club, his favorite movie was up on a screen, Finding Nemo , leading through a passageway to his dressing room. A silver door led to his personal chef’s kitchen.

When Prince passed away on 4/21/2016, fans created an organic fence tribute around Paisley Park covered in purple, sparkles, images, fish from Finding Nemo . All of the non-perishable items were saved and some of it was set up here.

Of course, no tour would be complete without a visit to the gift shop. This store has a lot of Prince recreations from his many personas as well as Prince tees and Paisley Park items. You can even buy the little fish from Finding Nemo .

There is a TV playing his Superbowl Halftime show, where it was raining incredibly hard. He didn’t let it stop him, and in fact, he said, “Can you make it rain harder!?” Always the entertainer.

Things to Know Before You Go on Paisley Park Tours

• Tickets are not refundable.
• Younger-aged children are restricted from the tours (under age 5 for general admission, under age 10 for the VIP Tour, and under age 12 for the Ultimate Tour).
• One parking spot is issued per transaction.
• There are additional fees (service fee plus facility fee) added to tickets ranging from $7.50 to $11.75 per ticket.
• Photography of any kind is not permitted in the building. In fact, your phone is locked up in a soft pouch that you can get unlocked as you are leaving the property.
• Don’t arrive more than 20 minutes before your time slot.

Paisley Park is open on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday from 9 – 5, and on Friday and Saturday from 9 – 6. It’s closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. It is located at 7801 Audubon Rd, Chanhassen, MN 55317 . There is free parking on site.

Prince’s Legacy

Prince was an icon of music and film, also known for film and technology. Paisley Park tours provide you with a glimpse into his life and you are enswirled with a massive array of his artistry, from the murals, outfits, inspired artwork, and the sound stage. Every room is filled with the immense creativity that was Prince.

There’s no denying Prince’s rare talent. And his generosity in working with other artists and sharing his talents with his local people.

Can you ever look at the color purple, or sequins and sparkles, and not think of him? Paisley Park represents everything Prince was, is, and always will be, nestled in his Minneapolis.

“I like Hollywood. I just like Minneapolis a little bit better.” Prince

First Ave & 7th Street Entry

First Ave & 7th Street Entry proudly boasts that it is your “downtown danceteria since 1970.” This place put many artists on the map and has showcased some incredible bands now displayed in a star on the outside of the building. It is one of the longest-lived and best-known independent rock clubs in the country.

Though it’s technically two clubs, known locally as Mainroom and the Entry, this place has been around forever and is a landmark in downtown Mill City. There are 53 stars on the outside walls commemorating some of the acts who played there, and Prince has a star, of course. His first show was here on March 9, 1981.

Visiting is one of the popular things to do in Minneapolis , especially for sentimental Prince fans.

First Ave & 7th Street Entry is located at 701 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403 (at the intersection of First Ave and 7th Street.)

Why Paisley Park Tours are Worth Doing

Whether you are a fan of Prince or appreciate some of his work over his extensive career, Paisley Park tours are worth your time when you are in Minneapolis. One of the city’s most famous residents recorded and produced a lot of his work here, and you can see what an incredibly talented artist he was.

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Sam is a travel-obsessed animal lover on a quest to create a life of travel with her dog. She loves learning new things, snuggling a dog, architecture, hiking, and bold red wine. Join her in creating a life to dream about!

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Watch CBS News

Iconic Prince coat now on display in St. Paul for 40th anniversary of "Purple Rain"

By Stephen Swanson

Updated on: May 9, 2024 / 1:37 PM CDT / CBS Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn.  — Prince fans can add another stop to the list of must-see Twin Cities sites to  celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Purple Rain."

The Minnesota Historical Society says the  iconic purple moire coat  he wore while performing the album's title track at First Avenue in the 1984 film is now on display at  the Minnesota History Center in downtown St. Paul .

The Regency-style coat, designed by Marie France and made by Terry Vaughn and Louis Wells, is instantly recognizable from the array of silver studs near the right shoulder. The historical society acquired it in 1987 along with other items connected to the "Purple Rain" tour.

You can view the coat for free at the center's Gale Family Library through July 27.

An equally iconic white ruffled shirt he wore during the "Purple Rain" era  sold for more than $33,000  in an auction last year.

The 1984 film was a smash hit, earning Prince an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. Its soundtrack is one of the best-selling albums ever and spawned two number-one hits: "Let's Go Crazy" and "When Doves Cry."

"Purple Rain" has also been adapted for Broadway . The stage show will make its world premiere next year at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis.

Prince debuted the song "Purple Rain" at a First Avenue show on Aug. 3, 1983, right before production began on the film.  Archival footage of that concert was released last year .

And speaking of archival footage, two years ago WCCO stumbled upon a film of Prince being interviewed at age 11 amid the 1970 Minneapolis teachers' strike.

Just weeks ago, Prince fans marked the eighth anniversary of his death . He died of an accidental painkiller overdose on April 21, 2016, at his Paisley Park complex in Chanhassen, which has now become a museum in his honor.

Stephen Swanson is a web producer at WCCO. A 20-year station veteran, Stephen was a floor director for a decade before moving to the newsroom, where he focuses on general assignment reporting.

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Prince Events

Here in Minneapolis, friends, fans and musicians join together throughout the year to honor and remember our purple star, Prince.

Last Updated: 3/22/24

April 21, 2024 5:00pm Women's Club

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning film Purple Rain, starring Minneapolis’ own, Prince. Join the party for a program, film screening, and dance party featuring DJ Willie Adams. Proceeds will go towards a Prince mural at the High School for Recording Arts. Tickets are $19.84 (of course) and are available at Eventbrite search “Let it Rain…Purple.”

April 21, 2024 Paisley Park

10:00 am - the NPG Music Club is open to the public. All are invited to leave a memorial on the fence. You can bring your own - or use one of the flowers and message tags that we will be providing on site. Peoples Organic Cafe will be on-site all day with food and beverages for purchase.

4:21 pm - Candle Lighting in NPG Music Club. This portion will be livestreamed for those who are unable to join us in person.

A Night 2 Remember (ticketed event) 6:00 pm Doors open for a free flowing walkthrough tour and time to reflect in the heart of Paisley Park.

7:00 pm The Celebration of Life begins in the form of a DJ Dance Party in NPG Music Club with DJ Holtz providing the soundtrack, and Peoples Organic Cafe presenting the menu.

June 7, 2024 7:00pm The Dakota

A very special performance of the music of Prince, performed by those who were closest to him in his final years. Artists include Donna Grantis , Marva King, Shelby J , Adrian Crutchfield , BK Jackson , and a special farewell performance by Tyka Nelson. St. Paul Peterson & The Minneapolis Funk All-Stars will act as house band.

June 13, 2024 Target Field

Join us for a spectacular celebration honoring the legendary Prince! Don’t miss the opportunity for a night full of the iconic artists’ legacy. Your purchase of this special theme night package includes your seat to the Twins vs. Oakland Athletics game at 6:40 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 plus an exclusive purple Prince Track Jacket that features the instantly-recognizable “Prince” script on the front, the artist’s “Love Symbol” on the back and zipper, and the Twins script on the left sleeve.

June 19, 2024 7:30pm The Parkway Theater

Celebrate Prince's birthday with legendary Twin Cities band Dr. Mambo's Combo performing a full night of music from the creator of the Minneapolis Sound. Forever In My Life: A Birthday Tribute to Prince features a diverse collection of songs across the many eras and styles of Prince, including his work with The Revolution and The New Power Generation, as well as songs he wrote for other artists.

The current band lineup features Julius Collins and Margaret Cox on lead vocals, Sonny Thompson on bass, Brian Ziemniak on keys, Geoff LeCrone on guitar and Peter Suttman on drums.

June 20-24, 2024 Paisley Park

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain, all guests will experience world class music, celebrity panels, exclusive concert footage, multiple activations in downtown Minneapolis and a newly curated Paisley Park Tour.

June 22, 2024 7:00pm First Avenue

Paisley Park and First Avenue present The Revolution - Wendy, Lisa, Bobby Z, Brownmark, and Dr. Fink - performing in honor of the historic 40th anniversary of Purple Rain.

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Visit Prince’s Hometown of Minneapolis

From Prince's childhood home to First Avenue nightclub and his Paisley Park studios, the Minneapolis area is full of people touched deeply by Prince, and it’s home to countless places and landmarks that connect us to his life. We have curated a glimpse into the history of Prince's adventure here in our great city. Feel free to download, Experience Prince's Minneapolis tour itinerary and take your friends and family on a self-guided exploration of our city, painted in purple.

Paisley Park Tours

“I like Hollywood. I just like Minneapolis a little bit better." - Prince

Top Minneapolis Venues to See Live Music

Prince chose Minneapolis for a reason.

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Celebrating Purple Rain’s 40th Anniversary: Prince Costume on Display at MN History Center

For immediate release

• Allison Ortiz, 651-259-3051,  [email protected]  
• Jack Bernstein, 651-259-3058,  [email protected]

ST. PAUL, Minn (May 8, 2024) – Arguably the most iconic outfit worn by one of Minnesota’s biggest icons is about to go on public display. As part of Paisley Park’s Twin Cities-wide celebration of the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain , Prince fans will have the opportunity to check out the  costume Prince wore in the film for free.

Starting May 9 and running through July 27, the costume will be on display in the lobby of the Gale Family Library , located on the second floor of the  Minnesota History Center (345 Kellogg Blvd W in St. Paul). It will be viewable during library hours (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 am–4 pm).

The Minnesota Historical Society acquired the ensemble in 1987, as well as a purple tambourine from the Purple Rain Tour, promotional photos and posters, and LPs by Prince and other Paisley Park artists, as an attempt to document Prince’s unique position in state history. The costume was designed by Louis Wells, Vaughn Terry, and Marie France and was worn by Prince in the First Avenue stage concert performance of Purple Rain  in the film.

Paisley Park’s Celebration event honoring the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain includes concerts, panels, and exclusive artifacts on display. There are many purple-inspired tributes spread throughout the Twin Cities showing support for this milestone anniversary. More information is available at  Paisley Park's Celebration website .

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The  Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.

Taylor Swift's 2024 Eras Tour Set List Has Changed

Taylor Swift has officially added a new era to her Eras Tour setlist.

On May 9, the “Fortnight” singer shared the revamped set list for her Eras Tour when she made a stop in Paris, France to begin the European leg of the tour.

The new additions of songs came from her latest album, The Tortured Poets Department . While in Paris, she performed some of the album’s tracks such as “But Daddy I Love Him,” “So High School,” “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?,” “Down Bad,” ”Fortnight,” “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived” and “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart.”

This was the first time that Swift has performed these songs live since releasing her album on April 19.

READ MORE: Taylor Swift Tour Inspires Minnesota Concert Tickets Bill

The addition of the new songs were the beginning of a revamped set list for the tour that also included taking some other songs from other eras out of the set list. Some of the songs that were previously in the show, but now have been cut include: The Archer,” “Long Live” and “Tolerate It.”

Swift still has three more shows to play in Paris before she jets off to Stockholm, Sweden.

Taylor Swift Eras Tour Set List

“Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince”

“Cruel Summer”

“You Need to Calm Down”

“You Belong with Me”

“Love Story”

“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”

“I Knew You Were Trouble”

“All Too Well (10 Minute Version)”

Speak Now :

“Enchanted”

Reputation :

“…Ready for It?”

“Don’t Blame Me”

Folklore & Evermore:

“Champagne Problems”

“Illicit Affairs”

“My Tears Ricochet”

“Blank Space”

“Shake It Off”

“Wildest Dreams”

“Bad Blood”

The Tortured Poets Department :

“But Daddy I Love Him”

“So High School”

“Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?”

“Fortnight”

“The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”

“I Can Do It with a Broken Heart”

Acoustic Set:

Guitar surprise song

Piano surprise song

Midnights :

“Lavender Haze”

“Anti-Hero”

“Midnight Rain”

“Vigilante Shit”

“Bejeweled”

“Mastermind”

Click here to view photo gallery