Purple One main title image
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.

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 Head Shot

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 Head Shot

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.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS