The coolest bit of Prince memorabilia on display in the Twin Cities is going away, for awhile at least.

The purple trench coat, ruffled shirt and high-button pants he wore in "Purple Rain" are going back into storage after a final weekend on view at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul.

"The outfit is coming off display because of conservation concerns about extended light exposure," a spokesperson said in a press release issued Friday afternoon.

The suit has been on view since Prince's death April 21.

Prince himself gave the outfit to the Minnesota Historical Society, which first put it on display in 1992 as part of an exhibit called "Minnesota A to Z" (guess what was "P").

The history's center's textile conservator tested light levels in the area to determine how long the outfit could remain on display before the danger of fading, or other damage, became too great. Her recommendation led to the June 19 closing date.

No doubt the Purple regalia will resurface in the future, possibly as part of a exhibit about the history of First Avenue that reportedly is in the works.

Visitors can see the outfit at the Gale Family Library, located on the second floor of the history center, during these hours:

  • Friday, June 17: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 18: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 19: Noon to 5 p.m.

Some other Prince items will remain in display cases in the library's lobby until July 30.