The donation will fuel an international touring exhibition starting in 2026, bringing Cobain’s legacy and the guitar’s intimate sound to a broad audience.

Kurt Cobain’s rare Martin D-18E guitar from Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged, the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction, has been donated to the London Royal College of Music by Peter Freedman, founder of RØDE Microphones.

The reporting places Cobain’s MTV Unplugged guitar at the top of a list of the world’s most expensive guitars, underscoring the market’s valuation of iconic instruments.

James Williams, director of the Royal College of Music, welcomed the gift and noted the exhibition’s potential to reach an international audience and inspire students.

The gift is given in memory of Freedman’s father, adding a personal commemorative dimension to the donation.

Described as a tribute, the guitar will remain on public display for education and historical significance.