Prince Lives on in the Minnesota History Center’s Photo Exhibit Starting September 21

Death does not mean the end when it comes to a musical legend like Prince. Although the beloved Minnesota star passed away in 2016, the mark he left on this world is as significant as ever. From tribute concerts to street events and dance parties, Prince fans have remained loyal throughout the years. That being so, it should come as no surprise that his legacy has remained at museum-level status—and not just at Paisley Park, his recording studio turned museum in Chanhassen.

Photo by Allen Beaulieu, courtesy Minnesota History Center

Prince: Before the Rain opens on September 21, 2019, at the Minnesota History Center. For this exhibit, it is not just his music being showcased, it is his image—captured by Prince’s personal photographer, Allen Beaulieu, during the star’s upsurge in popularity in the ’70s and ’80s. The collection consists of 50 digital prints, including photos of the star backstage and during his performances—and, no doubt, wearing an array of iconic purple outfits. The photos will also feature Prince alongside other famous acts, such as the Revolution and Morris Day.

The collection draws from Beaulieu’s 2018 book, from which the exhibit takes its name. In it, fans can further read about the bond between the photographer and musician while also getting the chance to see even more photos of the famous musician. Beaulieu recalls the two met in 1978 after Prince noticed a promotional fashion show poster the photographer had created. From then on, the two would work together on three tours, and Beaulieu’s photography would be showcased on the album covers for Dirty Mind, Controversy, 1999, and the posthumously released Piano & a Microphone 1983 and Originals. It was only when Beaulieu began working with Earth, Wind, and Fire that the two stopped regularly collaborating.

Beaulieu’s work was showcased on the cover of Piano and a Microphone 1983, released posthumously in 2018. Warner Bros.

To make the exhibit experience particularly nostalgic for Prince fans, the Minnesota History Center will be designing the space to resemble a nightclub, with black walls, a purple couch, and a grand chandelier. Such a space is likely a reference to First Avenue—a venue where Prince frequently played in Minneapolis and that holds many memories for his fans. This is clear just from the exterior of the concert hall, which displays an array of painted silver stars with various artists’ names who have had the honor of playing at the venue, while Prince’s star stands out in gold. Even though our purple hero will be absent from the museum, he will definitely be there in spirit.

The exhibit will be open through May 3, 2020, so there will be a lot of time to check it out at least once and learn more about this local music legend. Additionally, there will be a free panel discussion on October 1 with Beaulieu, the Revolution’s Dez Dickerson, DJ Kevin Cole, and Andrea Swensson from the Current. A second related exhibit is also already open at the Minnesota History Center—First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota’s Mainroom, originating from the book by Chris Riemenschneider—which will also run until May 3. This exhibit will have other Prince artifacts for fans to enjoy.

Photo by Allen Beaulieu, courtesy Minnesota History Center

Minnesota will never be quite the same without Prince. At times, however, it feels as though he never left, as the love for the artist exists in every crevice of this state—especially within the Twin Cities, as he greatly shaped Minnesota’s music scene. Like many other historical heroes, he lives on not only in his own art but in the art created by others, whether that may be performative or visual. Let us aid in keeping that memory alive by visiting Prince: Before the Rain.