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The Stories We Keep: Prince and Purple Rain
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102
651-259-3000 | infodesk@mnhs.org
About This Event
Have you ever wondered where Prince’s shade of purple came from? While working at Children’s Theatre Company, Marliss Jensen was asked to dye the purple lace that Prince wore to the 57th Academy Awards in 1985. Prince won Best Original Song Score and Best Original Musical for Purple Rain, and Marliss Jensen continued dying fabrics for Prince Rogers Nelson.
Join us for a special conversation with Marliss Jensen, moderated by Andrea Swensson, and learn more about the creativity and expertise behind the creation of spectacular outfits for Prince and his bandmates.
The Minnesota History Center is showcasing a collection of fabric swatches and sketches along with a number of unique items from the MNHS collections in an exhibit entitled The Stories We Keep. The exhibit features 25 objects from MNHS collections—a rich trove built on the generosity and foresight of thousands of people who have entrusted us with their belongings and their stories.
This free program will feature a moderated conversation with Marliss Jensen, additional highlights of Prince in the MNHS Collections, and a book signing with Andrea Swensson. Free Minnesota History Center admission and parking runs every Thursday from 4-8 pm. Come for the exhibit and stay for the program!
Registration is recommended. If you're unable to attend, the event is also accessible virtually via Zoom: https://mnhs-org.zoom.us/j/87106575047.
Support for this program has been provided by the Marney and Conley Brooks Fund.
Event Type:
- Lectures and Talks
Cost details
Additional Dates
There are no additional/upcoming events.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
The Stories We Keep: Prince and Purple Rain
Have you ever wondered where Prince’s shade of purple came from? While working at Children’s Theatre Company, Marliss Jensen was asked to dye the purple lace that Prince wore to the 57th Academy Awards in 1985. Prince won Best Original Song Score and Best Original Musical for Purple Rain, and Marliss Jensen continued dying fabrics for Prince Rogers Nelson.
Join us for a special conversation with Marliss Jensen, moderated by Andrea Swensson, and learn more about the creativity and expertise behind the creation of spectacular outfits for Prince and his bandmates.
The Minnesota History Center is showcasing a collection of fabric swatches and sketches along with a number of unique items from the MNHS collections in an exhibit entitled The Stories We Keep. The exhibit features 25 objects from MNHS collections—a rich trove built on the generosity and foresight of thousands of people who have entrusted us with their belongings and their stories.
This free program will feature a moderated conversation with Marliss Jensen, additional highlights of Prince in the MNHS Collections, and a book signing with Andrea Swensson. Free Minnesota History Center admission and parking runs every Thursday from 4-8 pm. Come for the exhibit and stay for the program!
Registration is recommended. If you're unable to attend, the event is also accessible virtually via Zoom: https://mnhs-org.zoom.us/j/87106575047.
Support for this program has been provided by the Marney and Conley Brooks Fund.
This event is free
Available times
6:30 PM
Please select a quantity.
