Prince’s state-of-the-art estate open to the public
PAISLEY Park, Prince’s state-of-the-art studio complex that held a mythic status for fans who entered it during the pop legend’s life, will open to the public as a museum.
The Purple Rain star’s estate said it was teaming up for the project with the company behind Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home-turned-museum in Memphis which draws more than 600 000 visitors a year.
The 5 000 square metre complex will open for tours on October 6, one week before fans descend on Prince’s Minnesota hometown of Minneapolis for a memorial tribute concert.
Prince’s sister, Tyka Nelson, said that the pop star had long hoped to allow the public into Paisley Park, which he opened in 1987 in the Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen and where he died on April 21.
“Opening Paisley Park is something that Prince was actively working on,” Nelson said.
“Only a few hundred people 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 as we open the doors to this incredible place.”
In line with Prince’s guidance when he threw parties at Paisley Park, the museum will serve only vegetarian food and no alcohol.
The museum will also present thousands of Prince’s personal items, including his often sensational concert outfits, musical instruments, cars and motorcycles. – AFP