The collection includes artifacts from music, pop culture and history
INDIANAPOLIS – If it’s not the largest collection of memorabilia in the country, it is certainly the most eclectic.
Simply called The Irsay Collection, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts has amassed a large number of musical and historical artifacts that will soon be on display for the first time in Indiana.
“It’s going to be really special. Something like this has never been done,” says Jim Irsay.
On Wednesday afternoon, Irsay held court to talk about his upcoming event like only he can…on a Zamboni on an ice rink at his estate in Carmel.
Irsay is as eclectic as the artifacts he collects. Everything he buys has a story behind it.
“Get things that people want to see! I have 12 Monets and I have John Lennon’s piano…so, first of all, I want to see John Lennon’s piano first! Irsay explained.
Above all, Irsay’s collection is considered the largest collection of guitars in the world. Instruments from Kurt Cobain, Paul McCartney and Pete Townshend are all represented. They’re all preserved in museum-quality cases, right next to John Lennon’s piano in the corner.
But there is also history here. There is a Stetson that John F. Kennedy was supposed to receive as a gift on the day of his death. Irsay says her collection is as much about inspiration as it is about preservation.
“You’re just inspired by these people who just lived before us,” Irsay said. “People like Martin Luther King Jr. who did unimaginable things.”
Irsay calls the collection priceless and can’t imagine ever selling it. All of the content toured the country. He will return home to be exhibited for free at Lucas Oil Stadium during a season kick-off concert featuring Irsay himself and his rock band.
“For me, it’s a way of giving back to the fans and the general public,” Irsay said.
The concert is on September 9 and is free. More information about the Irsay Collection event can be found on its website.