Paisley Park: A Celebration of Prince’s Life and Music

Activities Attractions Museum

Prince has a special place in the hearts of Minnesotans. He was a worldwide star who kept his roots in Minnesota. Our state, as a whole, mourned when we heard of his unfortunate passing. We came together and celebrated this brilliant musician, and all shared what Prince’s music meant to us. People who loved Prince, and his music, now have the opportunity to visit his Chanhassen, MN home, Paisley Park, and experience what it was like to be in his recording studio. I was able to take in the VIP tour of his recording studio, and want to share some of the amazing aspects of the tour.

When you first come into the 65,000 square foot Paisley Park, you enter the atrium area. This beautiful open space features colors and art chosen by Prince. The museum has updated some of the office space in the atrium area and dedicated these spaces to different moments in Prince’s music career. These areas include clothing, musical instruments, art, and handwritten lyrics. The atrium area also includes a special dining, or relaxing area where Prince would watch his favorite sport, basketball. You can also see many of the platinum and gold albums awarded to Prince during his music career. Look above and you will see his two doves, Majesty and Divinity. This room also holds the urn with Prince’s remains.

From the atrium, you’ll make your way around Paisley Park, including Studios A & B. Studio B is adorned with images from Prince and 3rd.Eye.Girl. Included in the VIP tour is a chance to sing to one of Prince’s songs. In Studio A, you will see where Prince preferred recording, some of the handwritten notes of lyrics, and the opportunity to hear a track made by Prince that was never released.

From Studio A, our tour guide led us to the Purple Rain Room. This amazing area includes movie props from Purple Rain, including Prince’s motorcycle. You will be able to enjoy the clips of the movie featuring some of the iconic hits he performed. Also in this area are movie props and video from Under the Cherry Moon and Graffiti Bridge.

The end of the tour leads you into the performance hall where Prince hosted his Paisley After Dark events. The area is adorned with some clothing on stages from eras during his music career. There is also a video screen showing Prince during a January 2016 performance. The ballroom also now two of Prince’s favorite cars, his Plymouth Prowler and Bentley.

This museum is a must-do if you were a fan of Prince’s music, or if you are a music fan in general. There is so much to see and take in throughout the tour, seeing different aspects of Prince’s music career and how much influence he had on the industry. You also get to see so many of the personal touches Prince made to Paisley Park throughout the entire building.