The world’s most significant private collection of legendary musical instruments, amassed by the late Indianapolis Colts CEO and billionaire businessman Jim Irsay, is officially heading to the auction block.
Following Irsay’s death at age 65 earlier this year, his entire monumental collection—long considered the “greatest on Earth” for its historical importance—will be sold through a series of auctions hosted by Christie’s New York, beginning in March 2026.
The $1 Billion Collection: Kurt Cobain’s Mustang and David Gilmour’s Strat
The value of the collection, which a Middle East buyer once offered an “insane 10-figure sum” (equivalent to $1 billion) that Irsay ultimately turned down, features instruments owned and played by nearly every titan of rock history.
The auctions will offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own pieces of rock and roll history from artists including:
- Jimi Hendrix
- Eric Clapton
- John Lennon, Sir Paul McCartney, and George Harrison
- Prince
- Jerry Garcia
- Bob Dylan
- Eddie Van Halen
- Bo Diddley
- Janis Joplin
- And dozens of others.
The marquee items confirmed to be part of the sale are some of the most expensive guitars ever sold at auction, including:
- Kurt Cobain’s Mustang used in the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” music video.
- David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster. (These two guitars hold the #2 and #3 spots on the all-time list of most expensive guitars sold.)
- Eric Clapton’s legendary ‘Fool’ SG, which previously sold for $1.27 million in 2023.
- John Lennon’s Gretsch 6120 Country Gentleman.
Auction Details and Philanthropy
The series of sales, which will also feature music and sports memorabilia, as well as historic artifacts from the broader Jim Irsay Collection, will be held at Christie’s New York, located at 20 Rockefeller Plaza.
Public Exhibition
Before the auctions, the public will have the opportunity to view the billion-dollar guitar collection through free public exhibitions at the New York location.
Christie’s confirmed that a portion of the sale proceeds will be donated to the philanthropic causes championed by Mr. Irsay throughout his life.
“Christie’s is honoured to offer this magnificent collection, so lovingly compiled, maintained, and shared by legendary collector Jim Irsay over decades,” said Julien Pradels, president of the Christie’s Americans region. “These extraordinary objects will be made available to passionate collectors around the globe… and provide this exquisite collection its next chapter.”
More information on the forthcoming auction dates and specific instrument lots will be released in the coming months. Interested parties can find updates on the official dedicated page.
More Information
#Jim Irsay Guitar Collection
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