London - The family of the pop star Prince are to open his home to the public.
Tours of Paisley Park – a sprawling house and recording studio – will start in October, run by the same company that has turned Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion into a major tourist destination.
Prince died of a painkiller overdose at the gated complex in the Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen in April.
His family insists plans were in hand to throw open the doors of Paisley Park even before his death. Tickets will cost £30 to £75 (about R500 to R1 300).
“Opening Paisley Park is something that Prince always wanted to do and was actively working on,” the Purple Rain singer’s sister, Tyka Nelson, said.
“Only a few hundred people have 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 for the first time as we open the doors to this incredible place.” Elvis also died of a heart attack in his own home in August 1977, but it was not until 1982 that Graceland was opened to the public.
The second most visited home in the United States after the White House, it attracts more than half a million visitors a year.
The plan to offer tours at Paisley Park, which has not yet been approved by the city council, will include visits to the studio where Prince recorded most of his hits and the soundstage where he rehearsed for tours and hosted private concerts.
Exhibits will include his concert wardrobe, awards, musical instruments, artwork, rare recordings, concert memorabilia, cars and motorcycles.
“The museum will display Prince’s genius, honour his legacy, and carry forward his strong sense of family and community,” said the heirs to his estimated £174-million estate.
Daily Mail