There's a door that you can walk through: The Story Behind The People's Museum for Prince.

Portrait of E. A. Webb, by K. L. Peterson (undated) in collection of Kevin Nickelson. Shown in 2018 museum. E.A. Webb found the door Prince opened and walked through it. His story, presented by Kevin Nickelson in 2018, is one of transformation, devotion, and the power of art to shape a life. This story captures the spirit of the museum, and what we're gathering for in 2026. Read Kevin and E's story.

Hi, I'm Emma Balázs, founding curator of The People's Museum for Prince.

I created this nomadic, experimental museum in 2018 as a response to the sustained, deep public mourning for Prince. Witnessing the outpouring of personal stories and art shared in the wake of his passing, I felt moved to create a space where we could honor personal experience collectively and reflect on the powerful impact of a single artist on the lives of many people across the world.

The museum flips the focus from Prince to his audience. Art and stories form the heart of the museum—and contributions come from everywhere and all walks of life. Professional artists and everyday people, storytellers and those who simply have something to share about Prince's influence on their life. Voices from Minnesota and from all around the world. These personal expressions collectively add up to a profound testimony about the transformative power of artists in our society, all focused through this one artist: Prince.

In 2018, the first People's Museum for Prince in Minneapolis featured more than 30 artists from 3 continents and 6 countries. The experience was profound: we welcomed over 3000 visitors in one weekend, and I watched strangers share tears, laughter, and memories. Visitors took quiet time to read stories, be with the art, linger awhile in the space. All these different expressions of how Prince inspired people to explore their sexuality, grief, joy, creativity, and gave them courage to make bold steps toward personal transformation.

Prince said, "There's a door that you can walk through, where there used to be a wall." Again and again, I encounter stories about how Prince helped people find that door and gave them courage to walk through it, in so many different aspects of life.

For 2026, we're creating a new edition to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Prince's passing. Opening June 7, 2026 (Prince's birthday) in North Minneapolis. 

I'm delighted to welcome Twin Cities-based artist Hawona Sullivan Janzen as co-curator. Hawona brings deep experience in public art practice and has curated numerous Prince-themed exhibitions. Her Minnesota cultural networks, community connections and inspired creative practice bring wonderful new dimensions to the project. We'll share more about the 2026 collaborative curatorial vision soon. You can read more about Hawona and her Prince story here.

The People's Museum isn't a museum about Prince himself, but about how he moved us, touched us, transformed lives. It's a museum OF us—the people whose lives he touched. A collective portrait of the artist through the hearts and minds of his audience. By design, it is publicly, collectively-sourced, so it relies on your response! 

We're inviting you to share your stories, artwork, and memories. How Prince touched YOUR life. His music, spirit, sexuality, style. The moment that changed everything. The grief of his passing, the joy he brought you. The memories that linger.

Read the full call for participation and how to submit your Story and/or Art here

Starting December, we're hosting free workshops to gather, share the vision, and explore how you might want to participate. Workshop details coming soon.

We hope you'll help us reach all the Prince communities—please share this message.

💜 Emma

CALL FOR STORIES & ART