ST. PAUL, Minn. — Prince fans can add another stop to the list of must-see Twin Cities sites to celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Purple Rain.”
The Minnesota Historical Society says the iconic purple moire coat he wore while performing the album’s title track at First Avenue in the 1984 film is now on display at the Minnesota History Center in downtown St. Paul .
The Regency-style coat, designed by Marie France and made by Terry Vaughn and Louis Wells, is instantly recognizable from the array of silver studs near the right shoulder. The historical society acquired it in 1987 along with other items connected to the “Purple Rain” tour.
You can view the coat for free at the center’s Gale Family Library through July 27.
An equally iconic white ruffled shirt he wore during the “Purple Rain” era sold for more than $33,000 in an auction last year.
The 1984 film was a smash hit, earning Prince an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. Its soundtrack is one of the best-selling albums ever and spawned two number-one hits: “Let’s Go Crazy” and “When Doves Cry.”