There are numerous reminders of Prince all around us in Minneapolis. Even if you aren’t a Prince fan, you can still appreciate his connection to Minnesota and how much attention he has brought to our state. Since his sudden passing in 2016 those reminders have become even more meaningful.

One of these landmarks in Minneapolis will soon be changed forever. Lets go make sure we learn about it before it’s too late.

Schmitt Music

Paul Schmitt started the Schmitt Music company in 1896. Their headquarters was in downtown Minneapolis near the intersection of 10th and Nicollet. Paul’s son, Bob, took over the company.

In the 1960s and 70s, many buildings downtown were demolished as a part of an “urban renewal” campaign and added to the ever-growing acreage of flat parking lots. The pharmacy next to Schmitt was one of them.

Minneapolis Star columnist Barb Flanagan called Schmitt out in her column for the ugly wall left exposed. She suggested a music-themed mural, encouraging them to “make that wall sing!”

The Schmitts quickly responded with the 3-story, hand-painted mural. Flanagan had suggested the “Minnesota March” or the National Anthem. Instead, the Schmitt's chose the third movement of Ravel’s “Gaspard de la Nuit” because it’s visually interesting with its g# minor key. It is also reportedly very hard to play.

The composition was inspired by a set of poems by the French writer Aloysius Bertrand. The music depicts all of the mythical darkness of the night with goblins, hallucinations, and creatures. The third movement, “Scarbo”, describes a goblin who haunts the night, getting larger and larger and terrifying the listener.

Celebrity Sightings

The technically challenging music was the perfect backdrop for the famous classical pianist, Harvey Lavan “Van” Cliburn Jr., who posed for a magazine spread in front of the mural in 1977.

That same year, the first professional photos of the young Prince Rogers Nelson were taken in front of that same mural. He was only 19 years old and in the middle of recording his first album, but as you can see, he was already “Prince”.

The photographer, Robert Whitman, was only 26, and admits that he didn’t know what he was doing but in his gut he knew Prince would be a star.

Lizzo also filmed part of her “Boys” music video there in 2018 as a tribute to Prince and their work together.

The mural has been a popular spot for seniors, engagements and selfies for years, but you better come and get your selfies soon because the parking lot has been sold and soon will rise an office building that will block the views of the music wall. It will still be here, you just won’t be able to get the same wide angle.

There’s no date announced for construction, so I’d come sooner rather than later.

We’ll certainly never forget Prince, but it still hurts a little every time another piece of him is taken away.

Tag me in your selfies - I’d love to share them on Instagram.