On a spontaneous whim, I decided to detour from my drive and found myself in the heart of downtown Chicago on December 9, 2022. I heard about it for a while and since I was near the area, I decided, why not? What awaited me was nothing short of extraordinary: Prince: The Immersive Experience. As a lifelong fan of the Purple One, I couldn’t resist diving into this interactive tribute. I’m so glad I did—it was truly a funky time!
Interactive Highlights and Must-Sees
1. The Studio Experience: One of the standout features was the recreation of Prince’s recording studio. Visitors could mix their own tracks and play with the soundboard, giving us a taste of the magic behind his legendary hits. This interactive element made me appreciate the meticulous craft that went into his music.
2. The Purple Rain Room: An absolute must-see, the Purple Rain Room transported me straight into the classic 1984 film. The room was bathed in purple light, and iconic scenes played on loop, making it a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The motorcycle from the movie was a popular spot for photos, which I partook in, capturing the essence of one of Prince’s most beloved eras. And of course the “When Doves Cry room…bathtub and all from the music video.
3. The Concert Hall: Perhaps the most exhilarating part was the simulated concert experience. A massive screen played concert footage, and the surround sound made it feel like Prince was performing live. The room was a fun space where we danced, sang along, and were completely immersed in the electrifying energy that Prince was famous for.
4. The Listening Experience: This was really cool! You had to answer a series of questions to determine what type of Prince music listener you are. At the end, it kicks out the song personal to your quiz, plus a playlist you can download using the QR code provided. My song was “Black Sweat” There were so many other elements that made up the experience! An array of Prince’s iconic outfits. various sections that depicted moments from music videos like “Diamonds and Pearls”, “Gett Off” and more! The replica of First Avenue facade…with the stars of course! Sooo many photos I had never seen.
The Gift Shop
No visit would be complete without a stop at the gift shop. It was a treasure trove for fans, offering everything from exclusive memorabilia to quirky Prince-themed merchandise. I couldn’t resist picking up a small trinket to commemorate the event.
A Truly Unique Experience
Though there have been talks of making this a traveling exhibit, there have been no further announcements, making my impromptu visit even more special. I’m thankful I seized the moment to experience Prince: The Immersive Experience while it was in Chicago. It was a vibrant, interactive journey through Prince’s life and legacy via 10 multidimensional spaces into a purple universe! For anyone who ever grooved to “1999” or felt the emotional depth of “Purple Rain,” this immersive experience was a must-see. It was a celebration of Prince’s impact on music and culture. Ten years after my only unforgettable Prince concert experience, in this same city, I found myself connecting with Prince in a new, profound way. It was truly meant to be.
