Prince’s home to be permanent museum

Prince’s Paisley Park estate will be a permanent museum.

The late singer’s Minnesota home and recording studio has been open to the public on a temporary basis for the last month and now the Chanhassen City Council has voted unanimously to allow the exhibit to continue after reviewing concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety.

Local business leaders had backed the proposals to make the estate a permanent tourist attraction.

Vernelle Clayton, a Chanhassen resident and leader of the Buy Chanhassen business group, told the Chanhassen Villager newspaper: "We think more customers and clients is nothing but beneficial to our community."

Jeff Filipek, president of the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce, said one local restaurant experienced a 36 percent increase in business during a two-hour period last weekend.

Since Paisley Park’s doors were thrown open on October 6 – almost six months after the ‘1999’ hitmaker died from an accidental overdose at the property – over 12,000 people have already toured Studio A, the Purple Rain Room, the NPG Music Club and other parts of the estate.

Paisley Park is now expected to be open to tourists from Thursdays through Sundays in the short term.

Fans who visit the estate even get to see Prince’s remains as the elaborate urn holding his ashes is on display.

The urn was designed by Prince’s sister Tyka and nephew President Nelson, and features scale-model details from Paisley Park, his purple Yamaha piano and white ornamental doves.

Tyka worked with the company Foreverence to create the urn and it features seven crystals.

Pete Saari, CEO and founder of the company said in a statement: "We are truly honoured and humbled to work with Prince’s family to pay tribute to one of the greatest musical artists of our generation. We believe that everyone’s a legend to the people who love and miss them the most."