Kurt Cobain’s iconic MTV Unplugged guitar donated to Royal College of Music London

Famously used in Nirvana’s seminal 1993 MTV Unplugged performance, RØDE founder and chairman Peter Freedman AM purchased the guitar at auction in 2020 for a record-breaking $6.01 million (USD).

At the time, Freedman made it clear that this was not an act of private collecting, but a public pledge – to use the guitar as a symbol of support and solidarity for those working in creative industries.

“This guitar represents more than just a moment in time, it’s a reminder of the powerful connection between artists and their audiences,” said Mr Freedman. “When I bought it, I promised it wouldn’t just hang on a wall. I wanted it to be seen, to inspire, and to give back to the creative community that helped shape my life. Its inclusion in this exhibition honours that promise.”

Its appearance at London’s Royal College of Music Museum will be the first time that the guitar has been made publicly accessible in Europe, giving grunge fans and music historians a rare opportunity to experience one of music’s most iconic artefacts up close.

Since its purchase, the guitar has been displayed at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, raising awareness of the challenges faced by creative professionals, particularly in the wake of global disruptions to the arts sector. Its presence at the Royal College of Music Museum, a globally respected institution for musical education and preservation, marks a fitting chapter in its journey.

Also on display is one of Kurt Cobain’s original Dunlop 60mm guitar plectrums, used during the MTV Unplugged performance and found inside the case of the Martin D-18E guitar when it was sold at auction. In a world first, fans have the chance to win this rare piece of rock history by entering the prize draw online, with all proceeds going directly to supporting students and the Future Music Fund at the Royal College of Music.

Kurt Cobain Unplugged will feature the guitar as its centrepiece, alongside the prized plectrum and Cobain’s famous olive-green mohair cardigan worn during the MTV Unplugged performance, marking the first time these three legendary items have been displayed together. Accompanied by archival footage, contextual materials, and a rare look into the legacy of Cobain’s artistry, visitors can expect a nostalgic experience surrounded by artefacts that not only defined a musical genre, but a generation.