Prince’s Paisley Park compound to open as a museum this fall
Six months after his death, Prince’s Paisley Park compound will welcome tourists hoping to get a glimpse inside the reclusive musician’s private estate and production complex.
The family of the late music legend and Bremer Trust, the Minnesota bank acting as the special administrator of the singer’s estate, have unveiled plans to open the property as a museum beginning in October.
The 65,000-square-foot complex located about 20 miles southwest of Minneapolis in Chanhassen served as his creative haven since the late ’80s.
Prince was found dead inside his home studio April 21 of an accidental fentanyl overdose. He was 57.
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“Opening Paisley Park is something that Prince always wanted to do and was actively working on,†Tyka Nelson, Prince’s sister, said in a statement. “Only a few hundred people have had the rare opportunity to tour the estate during his lifetime. Now, fans from around the world will be able to experience Prince’s world for the first time as we open the doors to this incredible place.â€
Daily guided tours would take visitors throughout the main floor of Paisley Park, including his recording and mixing studios.
Visitors will get a glimpse of his video editing suites, rehearsal rooms, private NPG Music Club and the sprawling soundstage and concert hall where he rehearsed for tours and often held private events and concerts. (Read our account of attending one of his dance parties here.)
Thousands of artifacts from Prince’s personal archives, including concert wardrobe, awards, musical instruments, artwork, rare music and video recordings, concert memorabilia, automobiles and motorcycles will also be on display.
Bremer Trust said it is working with the family to form an advisory council that will provide “valuable input on the entire experience.â€
An application for development review and business plan have been submitted to the City of Chanhassen, according to the announcement. The plan calls for tapping the operational expertise of an experienced property management team, which will also provide initial funding for capital improvements.
The estate will maintain ownership of Paisley Park, ending public speculation as to what would become of Prince’s beloved compound in the absence of a will.
“The new Paisley Park museum will offer fans a unique experience, an exhibition like no other, as Prince would have wanted it,†read a joint statement from his siblings.
“Most important, the museum will display Prince’s genius, honor his legacy, and carry forward his strong sense of family and community.â€
Tickets will go on sale on Friday for tours starting Oct. 6. More information can be found on a newly launched site for the museum.
In addition to the opening of the museum, the singer will be memorialized with an official family tribute concert on Oct. 13, 2016, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Details are forthcoming.
For more music news follow me on Twitter:@GerrickKennedy
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Prince overdose: Authorities looking into how pop star obtained fentanyl
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