'Purple Rain' suit worn by Prince in movie on display in St. Paul

The suit and other items can be viewed free of charge at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul.

April 19, 2017 at 4:14AM
The suit Prince wore in "Purple Rain."
The suit Prince wore in “Purple Rain.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

As the anniversary of Prince's death draws near, the Minnesota Historical Society opened a display Tuesday that includes an outfit he wore in the making of the 1984 movie "Purple Rain."

The display is in the lobby of the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul and includes recently acquired handwritten lyrics to an unreleased song called "I Hope We Work it Out," signed by Prince in 1977.

The lyrics were written on lined yellow paper and acquired by the Historical Society at an auction. The song was composed at the suggestion of music producer and writer David Rivkin, the society said, and was played at a private luncheon when Prince flew to California to sign his contract with Warner Bros. — referred to as W.B. in the lyrics.

The suit includes a purple jacket, white ruffled shirt and studded pants. It was also displayed at the History Center soon after Prince's death. There is no charge to view the current display, which includes other items and can be viewed through Sunday.

The suit's presentation is one of several events scheduled in the Twin Cities to mark Prince's death on April 21, 2016, at his Chanhassen compound.

(Rachel Chazin/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
This display honoring Prince was open to the public on Tuesday and continues through Sunday.
This display honoring Prince was open to the public on Tuesday and continues through Sunday. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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