Highlights of the Historic Sale
- The family of the late Indianapolis Colts owner, Jim Irsay, is selling his celebrated collection of guitars and historical artifacts, valued at over $1 billion.
- The “greatest guitar collection on Earth,” featuring instruments from John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, and Jimi Hendrix, will be auctioned by Christie’s in New York.
- The decision was announced by the Irsay family, who stated a portion of the proceeds will honor Irsay’s philanthropic legacy by going to charity.
- This sale marks the end of the collection as a traveling museum, which provided free public exhibitions across the United States.
A Legendary Collection Finds a New Chapter
The family of the late Jim Irsay has announced the difficult decision to sell his monumental collection of music, pop culture, and historical artifacts. Valued by experts at over $1 billion, the collection, which Irsay lovingly shared with the public for years, will be offered in a series of auctions at Christie’s New York, beginning in March.
“This decision was not made lightly, but with deep reflection and love for the legacy he built,” the Irsay family said in a statement. “Our dad was a passionate collector, driven not by possession, but by a profound appreciation for the beauty, history and cultural resonance of the items he curated.”
What’s Inside the Billion-Dollar Vault?
At the heart of the collection are 199 iconic guitars, famously dubbed “the greatest guitar collection on Earth” by Guitar World magazine. These aren’t just instruments; they are pieces of history wielded by music gods. Guitars owned and played by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Kurt Cobain, Bob Dylan, and Eric Clapton are among the headliners.
Beyond the world of rock and roll, the collection’s scope is breathtaking. It includes:
- Jack Kerouac’s original typewritten manuscript of “On The Road.”
- An Apple II manual signed by Steve Jobs.
- Hunter S. Thompson’s iconic “Red Shark” convertible.
- Artifacts from U.S. presidents and sports legends.
From Public Steward to Private Hands
Jim Irsay never saw himself as an owner of these items, but rather as their “steward.” He famously transformed the collection into a traveling museum, hosting free exhibitions across the country to share these treasures with the world. He believed in their power to inspire and unite people.
The family hopes the auction will find new stewards who will cherish the artifacts’ significance. “Now, we believe it’s time for a new life for the collection,” their statement continued. “In honor of our dad’s lifelong focus on giving, a portion of the proceeds from the sale will go toward philanthropy close to his heart.”
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Christie’s is honored to manage the sale, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for collectors around the globe to own a piece of history. While most of the collection will be sold, the family will retain a few cherished pieces. Before the items are scattered, free public exhibitions will be held at Christie’s New York, giving fans one last chance to witness this unparalleled assembly of cultural landmarks before they disappear into private hands forever.
Image Referance: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/jim-irsays-massive-collection-guitars-115404021.html