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10 reasons we love Paisley Park

If you're re a fan of his music or just proud Prince called Minnesota home, you'll love this tour. And the After Dark experience kicks it up another notch. 

Here are the 10 we love most about Paisley Park:

The doves: Prince had pet doves and they're still at Paisley Park. Majesty and Divinity were quiet the night we were there. Word is they perk up when the staff plays Prince's music. They're perched above the atrium (pictured above), not far from where Prince's ashes are displayed.

The TV in the kitchen: Just off the atrium is a small kitchen where Prince used to hang out to eat and watch a show or a game. It's one of those scenes that turns Prince from an international rock star back into a Minnesotan just having a meal and hoping for a Wolves win. 

The wardrobe: For a small guy, he made a big statement and seemed to be able to rock any look. Although there are no look-alike costumes in the gift shop, there are plenty of ways you can leave Paisley Park looking a little like Prince

The handwriting: There are a few places where you see Prince's original notes for music and lyrics. Like his songs and clothes, his handwriting is one-of-a-kind.

The Galaxy Room: This is a cool space where black lights and cosmic decor make you feel like you're a world away from Chanhassen, Minnesota. Prince used the space to chill out before recording sessions. Warning: those black lights will show off the lint on your shirt.

The ping pong table: Prince loved to play ping pong, and his table is still in Studio B. We got to play while we waited to get a picture of Prince's Studio B pianos. There's no piano playing allowed though. (Check out the YouTube clip below to hear Jimmy Fallon's memory of playing ping pong with Prince.)

The recording studios: It's where the magic happened! Prince brought his songs to life in these rooms, and he helped other artists do the same. For true Prince fans, this feels like being in church. The shot of Julianna and me is from Studio B in front of Prince's guitar and purple piano. 

The Purple Rain room: And, presto, you're in 1984. This former dance rehearsal room features props, a script and the Oscar from Purple Rain. While you check it all out, the movie plays on a big screen. Dearly beloved, you're gonna love it.

The Moonman: There's a hallway full of Prince's awards in Paisley Park. As members of the MTV generation, our fave was the Moonman award Prince got for his 1988 video for U Got the Look. But that Oscar for song score for Purple Rain is pretty cool too. 

The soundstage: Oh, how I wish I'd have gotten to one of Prince's parties in this space! It must have been amazing. Now Prince footage plays as you check out a few of his cars and the one-of-a-kind looks of his concert tours. Inside this soundstage, Prince is still partying. 

Want to see it for yourself? Get tour information at the official Paisley Park website.

And besides the general tours, there are special events. 

Paisley Park After Dark Tours: Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings, you're welcomed into the ā€œPaisley Park After Darkā€ experience. The fun is in the tradition of the events Prince used to host in Chanhassen. As a Paisley Park After Dark guest, you get to hang out until 11:00 p.m. in a place where the Prince vibe is alive and well!  

In March, the Friday Paisley Park After Dark experience includes a tour and DJ dance party in Princeā€™s private NPG Music Club. The Saturday experience includes the tour and special showings of Prince movies and exclusive, rare performance footage at the Paisley Park soundstage.

Starting in April, Paisley Park After Dark will be Saturdays only and will rotate between the dance party and movie night. And special dining selections will be available for purchase at the Paisley Park kitchen.  

Prince4Ever Tribute Fence April 3 and 7: A newly constructed tribute fence will display archived memorials originally attached to the exterior fence at Paisley Park in the weeks following Princeā€™s passing last year.  On these two April Mondays, fans will be welcomed onto the Paisley Park grounds free of charge between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to attached personal messages and pay their respects.  

Celebration 2017, April 20-23: This is an exclusive 4-day celebration event featuring live music, panel discussions and presentations on Princeā€™s tremendous talent and influence as a composer, musician, producer, live performer and filmmaker.  Limited tickets still available.


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