Prince’s Paisley Park now a permanent museum

(MGN Online)

Paisley Park, once the private estate and production complex of late Minnesota musical icon Prince, is now a permanent museum. On October 24, the Chanhassen City Council unanimously voted to rezone the property to allow for ongoing public tours starting October 28.

The family and estate of the late singer announced August 24 that the property would be opened for tourists starting in October. For the past month, the property was open on a limited basis as the city reviewed logistical concerns like traffic and public safety.

The family and estate of the late singer announced August 24 that the property would be opened for tourists starting in October.  For the past month, the property was open on a limited basis as the city reviewed logistical concerns like traffic and public safety.

According to the family’s statement released by the estate last month, opening Paisley Park for public tours was Prince’s long-term vision for the property. “Opening Paisley Park is something that Prince always wanted to do and was actively working on,” stated Prince’s sister Tyka Nelson 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.”

As outlined in the plan for the museum released by the estate, guided tours will take visitors throughout the extensive main floor of Paisley Park, including the recording and mixing studios where Prince recorded, produced and mixed some of his biggest hits. Tours will also include Prince’s video editing suites, rehearsal rooms, private NPG Music Club, and a massive sound stage and concert hall where he rehearsed for tours and held exclusive private events and concerts.

(Steve Floyd/MSR News)

Also featured will be thousands of artifacts from Prince’s personal archives, including iconic concert wardrobe, awards, musical instruments, artwork, rare music and video recordings, concert memorabilia, automobiles and motorcycles.

Steve Floyd/MSR News)

“The new Paisley Park museum will offer fans a unique experience, an exhibition like no other, as Prince would have wanted it,” according to the official statement by Prince’s siblings. “Most important, the museum will display Prince’s genius, honor his legacy, and carry forward his strong sense of family and community.”

Prince was found dead at Paisley Park April 21.  He was 57. The official autopsy report listed an accidental overdose of the painkiller fentanyl as the cause of death. He was born in Minneapolis and made Chanhassen his home for much of his career after super-stardom.

Paisley Park, located at 7801 Audubon Road, Chanhassen, Minnesota, approximately 30 minutes from Minneapolis. Tickets for tours can be purchased at the the official website: www.officialpaisleypark.com.

— Information from Bremer Trust was used in this report.