Hennepin Arts presents
REMEMBERING
THE PURPLE ONE
In partnership with The Minnesota Star Tribune
Located in LaSalle Plaza , 800 LaSalle Ave.
Remembering the Purple One: The Rich Benson Collection with additional curation by author and music historian Andrea Swensson
Step into the legacy of a global icon with Remembering the Purple One, a vibrant new exhibit celebrating the life, music, and Minneapolis roots of Prince. Showcasing the extraordinary Rich Benson Collection—one of the most extensive private archives of Prince memorabilia—this immersive experience brings fans closer to the artist who forever changed the sound and soul of popular music.
From rare vinyl pressings and vintage concert posters to iconic tour merchandise and personal keepsakes, each artifact tells a story of creativity, innovation, and uncompromising vision. Co-curated by acclaimed music journalist Andrea Swensson, author of Prince and Purple Rain: 40 Years, the exhibit weaves Benson’s rare collectibles with Swensson’s deep insight into Prince’s cultural impact, grounding the experience in both personal passion and expert perspective.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or newly discovering the Purple One, this tribute offers a fresh and intimate look at a singular artist who still electrifies the world.
Take your Prince experience beyond our windows and into the heart of the Minneapolis sound!
Paisley Park Museum & Tours
Official Tours at Paisley Park – Guided access to Prince’s home, recording studios, sound stage, NPG club, and archives. Options range from standard to Ultimate VIP experiences. Paisley Park Tours & Tickets
Paisley Park Events – Screenings (e.g. Purple Rain in 4K), fan celebrations, exclusive panels, and festival weekends. Paisley Park Upcoming Events
Prince-Themed Tours in Minneapolis
Purple Path Tour (Meet Minneapolis) – A guided walking tour from his childhood home through First Avenue to Paisley Park. Prince’s Minneapolis – Meet Minneapolis
Sound Around Tours SoundAround’s Prince tour in Minneapolis and its surrounding suburbs tells the story of not simply a remarkable, outsize talent, but also how he is inextricably linked to the story of this city – both physically and conceptually. Sound Around Tours
Minneapolis Trolley Tours Step aboard our Historic Trolley for a journey through Minneapolis, celebrating the life and legacy of Prince. Minneapolis Trolley Tours
Self-Guided Audio Tour – Explore downtown Minneapolis landmarks tied to Prince via downloadable audio narration. In the Footsteps of Prince – TripAdvisor
Prince Legacy Bus Tour – A 3‑hour narrated bus route hitting youth landmarks and performance venues; optional Paisley Park add-on. Prince Legacy Tour – Twin Cities Sightseeing
Purple Rain will musically come to life on stage this fall!
Pre-Broadway world-premiere of Purple Rain The world premiere stage adaptation of Prince’s legendary film and album, Purple Rain™ is based on the original screenplay by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn, and features a book by two-time Tony Award winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, music and lyrics by Prince and direction by Tony Award-nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz. Longtime Prince collaborators Bobby Z and Morris Hayes join the award-winning creative team as Prince Music Advisors. Buy tickets now!
First Avenue venue tours
Experience the venue made famous by Prince’s Purple Rain, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how First Avenue & 7th St Entry began. Step onto our world-renowned stage, check out the “set list wall” backstage and maybe even hear a few ghost stories. Book a tour
Landmark Stops Around the Cities
First Avenue & 7th St Entry – Iconic club where Purple Rain was filmed; look for Prince’s gold star on the facade. First Avenue
Electric Fetus Record Store – Indie store where Prince shopped; still carries rare vinyl and merch. Electric Fetus
Prince’s “Purple Rain” House – Residence featured in the movie; now private, located at 3420 Snelling Ave S. The Current
Prince Murals & Graffiti Tunnels – Vibrant murals and tunnels across Minneapolis offer free photo-ops. Explore Minnesota
WORTH A MENTION!
"The must-see Rich Benson Collection at LaSalle Plaza in downtown Minneapolis showcases a history of Prince in memorabilia," - Star Tribune
Instagrammer @princeanddonuts shares a wrap-up video of Prince Celebration weekend including a stop at Remembering the Purple One - Instagram
Australia loves Prince! Check out this awesome video from two guys down under.
Discover the Prince Purple Path in downtown Minneapolis! - Star Tribune
MEET THE CURATORS
Rich Benson
Rich Benson is a lifelong Prince fan, archivist, and collector. His privately held collection of rare Prince artifacts was shown by Mentor Newark at the historic Hahne Building in downtown Newark, NJ, a youth-focused exhibit that was featured in the New York Times. He has seen Prince live 127 times. In May - Nov. 2025 his collection is featured in seven display windows for Hennepin Arts, Lasalle Plaza, Minneapolis and at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center.
Andrea Swensson Andrea Swensson is an author, podcast host, and music journalist in Minneapolis. She hosts the Official Prince Podcast and has written for numerous publications, including NPR Music, Pitchfork, the Star Tribune, City Pages, and Minnesota Public Radio’s The Current, where she previously hosted “The Local Show.” Her first book, Got to Be Something Here: The Rise of the Minneapolis Sound, also from the University of Minnesota Press, won a 2018 Minnesota Book Award. Last year Andrea released Prince and Purple Rain 40 years and Deeper Blues: The Life, Songs, and Salvation of Cornbread Harris.
