Irsay's Cultural Trove Hits Auction Block

Massive collection of iconic memorabilia from music, art, and pop culture to be sold in New York

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:33am

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The late Jim Irsay's vast personal collection of cultural artifacts and memorabilia, valued at over $1 billion, will be auctioned off in a series of sales at Christie's New York over the next two weeks. The collection includes rare guitars, handwritten lyrics, movie props, and other iconic items that defined pivotal moments in modern history and popular culture.

Why it matters

Irsay's collection represents an unparalleled assemblage of cultural touchstones, chronicling the evolution of music, art, and entertainment over the past century. The dispersal of this collection marks the end of a private museum that offered a unique window into the zeitgeist of the modern era.

The details

The Irsay Collection comprises over 400 lots, including the world's most valuable guitars, such as Kurt Cobain's MTV Unplugged 1959 Martin D-18E and Dave Gilmour's 'Black Strat.' Other highlights include handwritten lyrics by Bob Dylan and Jack Kerouac's original 'On the Road' scroll. The collection also features memorabilia from sports legends like Babe Ruth, Muhammad Ali, and Wayne Gretzky, as well as iconic items like the saddle used by the legendary racehorse Secretariat.

  • The Jim Irsay Collection: Hall of Fame, New York, 12 March 2026
  • The Jim Irsay Collection: Icons of Pop Culture, New York, 13 March 2026
  • The Jim Irsay Collection: Icons of Music, New York, 14 March 2026
  • The Jim Irsay Collection: Online, New York, 3-17 March 2026

The players

Jim Irsay

The late owner of the Indianapolis Colts NFL team, who amassed an unparalleled collection of cultural memorabilia over his lifetime.

Christie's

The auction house tasked with selling Irsay's vast collection of artifacts and memorabilia in a series of sales in New York.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Irsay's collection represents a unique and comprehensive chronicle of modern cultural history, and its dispersal marks the end of a private museum that offered an unparalleled window into the defining moments and icons of the past century.