This Minnesota Museum Is Considered One of America’s Best

Minnesota is home to some truly world-class museums. From fine art to natural history and historic mansions, the state offers a wide variety of fascinating places to explore, learn, and wander for a few hours.

According to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Minnesota is home to more than 500 museums. Every one of the state’s 87 counties has at least one museum, but only one can claim it was once home to a global music icon.

A Musical Landmark Unlike Any Other in MN

Minnesota has a deep musical history, but it is not always mentioned in the same breath as places like Tennessee or New York. Still, the state is home to one of the most respected music museums in the country, thanks entirely to Prince.

After Prince’s death, his estate transformed his home, studios, and production complex, known as Paisley Park, into a museum. Today, the space is filled with everything from legendary stage outfits to instruments, recording rooms, and personal artifacts. The presence of the late musician is felt throughout the entire tour.

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Paisley Park Earns National Recognition for Minnesota

USA Today has nominated 20 music museums for its 10BEST list, highlighting some of the most iconic destinations in music history. The list includes the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, and the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles.

Also earning a spot on the list is Prince’s Paisley Park in Chanhassen. Unlike most music museums that focus on multiple artists or entire genres, Paisley Park is one of only three museums on the list dedicated to a single artist. The others are the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa and the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville.

USA Today describes the experience by saying, “Offering an intimate look at the artist’s music, studio work, and eclectic artistic vision, the tour here winds through recording spaces, performance areas, and galleries filled with instruments, on-stage clothing, and personal items.”

How to Support Minnesota’s Music History

Voting for the best music museum is open through February 9, with the final top 10 list set to be released later this month. With enough support, Minnesota could see one of its most iconic cultural landmarks earn national bragging rights once again.