Latest news with #MuseumofPopCulture
Indianapolis Star
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Jim Irsay left behind 'greatest guitar collection on Earth.' What happens to it now?
INDIANAPOLIS -- As Jim Irsay immersed himself in professional football for the past four decades, first as general manager of the Indianapolis Colts and then as owner, he always had a side gig -- rock 'n' roll relic collector extraordinaire. Especially guitars. Irsay amassed a colossal collection of guitars (199 to be exact) and other musical instruments, spending tens of millions of dollars on what Guitar Magazine once called "the greatest guitar collection on Earth." When Irsay died last week, many of the instruments in the collection were on loan throughout the country, including at the "Amped at IU" exhibit at Indiana University and at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle for "Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music." The items in those exhibits will remain at those locations until the displays are scheduled to end. The long-term plan for The Jim Irsay Collection, which also includes artifacts of American history and pop culture, has not been determined. The team told IndyStar on Wednesday it would be "getting more info on the collection in the coming weeks." Irsay had a penchant for obtaining rare musical instruments and items that were used by some of the greatest artists in history. Among them: Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Prince, Eric Clapton, Sir Elton John, Jerry Garcia, Les Paul, David Gilmour, Jim Morrison, Pete Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane, The Edge, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain. But Irsay's collection goes beyond music and includes eclectic items like an Apple II manual signed by Steve Jobs, Hunter S. Thompson's Red Shark convertible and Jack Kerouac's original typewritten manuscript of "On The Road." Experts have valued the collection at close to $1 billion, should it ever be sold in its entirety. 'My purpose in building this collection," Irsay wrote on his collection's website, "is to preserve, protect and share items that tell inspiring stories about dreaming big, overcoming obstacles and accomplishing great things in life." The "Amped at IU" exhibit includes pieces from Irsay's collection that help illustrate the instrument's history, including an 1850s CF Martin, a 1910 Gibson U Harp, 1939 Rickenbacker Silver Hawaiian Lap Steel and more. The display also feature artifacts from The Beatles, their manager Brian Epstein, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash and others. Details: "Amped at IU" runs through September at University Collections at McCalla, 525 E. 9th St. in Bloomington. McCalla's galleries are open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The "Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music" includes three items Irsay loaned to the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle -- James Brown's stage-worn, red sequined cape from the 1960s and 1970s, John Coltrane's 1966 Yamaha alto saxophone and Miles Davis' 1980 Martin Committee trumpet. The exhibit explores "the rich legacy of African American music, tracing the deep cultural roots of gospel, blues, jazz and soul. Through evocative photography, rare concert flyers, instruments and costumes, the exhibit showcases the profound influence of Black communities on the evolution of these genres." Details: Runs through early 2027 at the Museum of Pop Culture, 325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA. Info and tickets
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Seattle's iconic MOPOP could be recognized as national museum under new bill
This story was originally published on U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) have introduced bipartisan legislation that would recognize the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP) in Seattle as the National Museum of Pop Culture. Housing more than 85,000 artifacts, the museum attracts over 750,000 visitors each year with innovative exhibits that explore the impact of pop culture on American identity and society, according to a news release from Jayapal Thursday. 'The Museum of Pop Culture draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every year from enthusiasts across the country and around the globe,' Newhouse stated via the news release. 'Now in its 25th year of operation, it's time to give MOPOP the national recognition it deserves.' Since its founding in 2000, MOPOP has not only worked to preserve cultural history but also as an educational space fostering creativity. 'MOPOP has been a cornerstone in celebrating the diverse culture and history of the arts regionally and globally,' Jayapal stated via the news release. 'MOPOP and its incredible team undoubtedly deserve this recognition and title, allowing them to continue educating both local visitors and tourists about the rich history of pop culture in the United States.' Michele Y. Smith, CEO of the Museum of Pop Culture, is grateful to have the museum's important work recognized. "We're honored to take the next step toward national designation and grateful to Congresswoman Jayapal for her support,' Smith stated via the news release. 'This legislation affirms the vital role pop culture plays in shaping our collective memory and reflects MOPOP's ongoing commitment to preserving the stories, artifacts, and creativity that define generations.' The bill is also sponsored by Rep. Michael Baumgartner, Suzan DelBene, Rick Larsen, Emily Randall, Kim Schrier, Adam Smith, and Marilyn Strickland.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Yahoo
These Washington cities are the 'most cultured' in the US, according to new report
Refined. Intellectual. Enlightened. You might be able to use these terms to describe the communities on Holafly's "Most Cultured Cities" in America list. The travel website and international eSIM provider recently analyzed 100 of the most populous cities in the U.S. to "establish where you can find America's cultural hotspots." Holafly created a "culture score" for each city by tracking the number of theaters, live music venues, museums, arts galleries, and landmarks per 100,000 people. New Orleans ranked first with a cultural score of 126.07, followed by San Francisco (second, 116.93) and Nashville (third, 63.95). Here's what to know. Seattle, the highest-placing Washington state city on the list, ranked 18th in the nation with a cultural score of 44.6, according to the report. Juan David Soler, a travel expert with Holafly, said Seattle is a "cultural gem" of the Pacific Northwest that marries nature and art. "For the Seattleites that call it home, they're spoiled with surrounding lush green forests and stunning areas of natural beauty like Lake Washington right on their doorstep," he said in an email. "Aside from a bustling music scene, it's also home to a host of renowned museums and art galleries, with almost 20 galleries per capita." Soler pointed to the Seattle Art Museum and the Museum of Pop Culture as must-visit destinations. Spokane ranked 41st, with a cultural score of 24.39, and Tacoma ranked 42nd, with a cultural score of 23.55. Elsewhere in the Northwest, Portland ranked 15th, scoring 45.51. Boise ranked 27th with a score of 32.76. New Orleans, Louisiana San Francisco, California Nashville, Tennessee St. Louis, Missouri Honolulu, Hawaii Boston, Massachusetts Arlington, Virginia Miami, Florida Washington, District of Columbia Richmond, Virginia See the full "Most Cultured Cities" in the U.S. report and methodology on Holafly's website. (This story was updated to fix a typo.) This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Seattle is a top 20 'most cultured' US city, according to new report
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Colts' Irsay to Loan Items to Seattle's MOPOP for Exhibit on Gospel, Blues, Jazz & Soul
SEATTLE & INDIANAPOLIS, April 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Jim Irsay Collection will loan several items to the acclaimed Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle for its upcoming exhibit – "Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music" – opening May 2025. "Never Turn Back" will immerse visitors in the rich legacy of African American music, tracing the deep cultural roots of gospel, blues, jazz and soul. Through evocative photography, rare concert flyers, instruments and costumes, the exhibit showcases the profound influence of Black communities on the evolution of these genres. The title comes from the Negro spiritual "I'll Never Turn Back No More" by Mahalia Jackson and explores how the early musical genres emerged from the struggles and ancestral heritage of African Americans. Despite enduring immense hardships, African Americans infused the American cultural landscape with vibrant sounds, rhythms and movements, laying the foundation for a profound and lasting impact on American music. The influence of Black musicians on American culture is immeasurable, and Never Turn Back is a testament to their enduring legacy," said Michele Y. Smith, CEO of the Museum of Pop Culture. "We are honored to partner with the Jim Irsay Collection to showcase these incredible artifacts, connecting visitors to the artists whose creativity and resilience shaped the sound of generations. The Jim Irsay Collection is a robust collection of historic and culturally significant artifacts from music, American history and pop culture assembled over several decades by Jim Irsay, owner & CEO of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. An active philanthropist, Irsay transformed his collection into a "traveling museum" and has hosted free exhibitions in Nashville, Washington, D.C., Austin, Beverly Hills, New York, Chicago, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Boston and Los Angeles. He also regularly loans artifacts to museums, nonprofits and other organizations for display and research across the country and around the world. "My purpose in building this collection was to preserve, protect and share items that tell inspiring stories about dreaming big, overcoming obstacles and accomplishing great things in life," Irsay said. "African American music is one of the backbones of American culture and always has been one of the greatest platforms for storytelling we've ever seen. That's why I'm excited to partner with MOPOP to continue sharing these stories with the world." Irsay will loan three items to the exhibition: James Brown's Stage-Worn, Red Sequined Cape, c. 1960s-1970s. Known throughout the world as the "Godfather of Soul," James Brown was one of the most dynamic musical artists in American history and one of the inaugural inductees in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. This world-famous cape is made of red polyester covered in red plastic sequins. On its back is a red satin circular patch emblazoned with gold lettering reading: "JAMES BROWN / GODFATHER / OF SOUL".Brown used this cape at live concerts in the 1960s and 1970s as part of his "Cape Routine" with emcee Danny Ray. The routine became a standard part of Brown's act, performed thousands of times as part of a grueling tour schedule. Ray draped this cape over Brown's casket for the last time at his public funeral on December 30, 2006, at the James Brown Arena in his hometown of Augusta, Ga. John Coltrane's 1966 Yamaha Alto Saxophone. Produced in 1966, it was one of the first productions of Yamaha's alto and tenor instruments. It was gifted from Yamaha in Japan who requested that Coltrane, one of the most accomplished saxophonists ever, inspect and evaluate played the sax during his 1966 two-week tour of Japan, which Coltrane biographer Eric Nisenson called "probably the single greatest triumph of his life." Coltrane can be heard playing it on live albums, including Coltrane in Japan and the four CD collection Live in Japan. He is pictured on the cover of Live in Japan playing the piece was originally sold by the Coltrane family to raise funds for The John Coltrane Foundation at the legendary 2005 Guernsey's Jazz Auction in New York. This is one of only two saxophones to have been sold by his family. The whereabouts of the second horn, a soprano, are currently unknown. Miles Davis's 1980 Martin Committee Trumpet. American jazz trumpeter Miles Davis was one of the most acclaimed musicians of the 20th century, winning eight GRAMMYS and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. This Martin Committee trumpet is brass with black and gold coating and features a script "Miles" engraved in the bell and the signature angled mouthpiece preferred by battles with substance use disorder and health challenges had led to a hiatus from music from 1975 to 1980. He returned to the studio in the 1980s, capped by an appearance at the 1984 Montreux Jazz Festival, where he played the 1980 Martin Committee trumpet. He also played the instrument on the albums You're Under Arrest (1985) and Aura (1989), which received two GRAMMY Awards. For approved Media Assets, visit: (All assets courtesy of The Jim Irsay Collection.) View source version on Contacts Steve Campbell, The Jim Irsay Nadia Tahoun, MOPOPmopop@ Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
More than 200 of Diana's items to go up for auction
More than 200 of Diana, Princess of Wales's items will go up for auction, offering 'a window into a moment in history'. The collection is part of Julien's Auctions event titled Princess Diana's Style & A Royal Collection, which is due to take place on Thursday June 26. Bidding will begin on May 20 and will include a range of Diana's garments with the aim of celebrating her style and preserve her legacy. Martin Nolan, co-founder and executive director of Julien's Auctions, said: 'Princess Diana holds a special place in the heart of Julien's Auctions, and we are honoured to continue to preserve her legacy telling her story through the pieces that defined her elegance, grace, glamour and spirit. 'This collection is the most significant offering of her wardrobe ever presented at auction, each item a window into a moment in history and a tribute to a woman whose humility and style and personal warmth continues to inspire the world.' Also on auction will be a collection of garments and artefacts from British royal history including items once worn by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother and other members of the royal family dating as far back as the 19th century. Julien's Auctions previously sold one of Diana's gowns for 1.14 million US dollars (£889,000) and in 2024 a pair of her shoes achieved 390,000 US dollars (£304,000) at auction. Prior to the sale, the Museum of Pop Culture (Mopop) will host an exhibition to offer members of the public the chance to view the items before it goes under the hammer in a new collaboration with Julien's Auctions. Michele Y Smith, chief executive of Mopop said: 'This collection celebrates Princess Diana's enduring influence as a cultural and fashion icon. 'Her style, grace, and humanitarian spirit continue to resonate across generations.' The collection will also be on exhibition at The Museum of Style Icons (Mosi) in Newbridge, Ireland from mid May until mid June 2025. A portion of the sale of Diana items will benefit Muscular Dystrophy UK. The auction is due to take place on Thursday June 26 at 10:00am Pacific Time at The Peninsula Beverly Hills.
