How many Beatle fans have thought they have a collection big enough for a museum?
Rodolfo Vazquez made that thought a reality. His new Beatles museum in Argentina is so vast and has such a fantastic collection that it's astonishing. You can see pictures of some of his amazing collection in our photo slideshow at left to see what we mean.
How did he get started and when did the idea for the museum first come up? "The idea came from having done several exhibitions that last a short time," he told us. "The museum allows me to show the objects on an ongoing basis so people can enjoy them as often as they want. And for me too, the objects are always stored in boxes, and I can barely see them.
"I`ve been collecting objects for 43 years, exchanging them with other collectors, buying them on travels I`ve made and in auctions," he says. "Some were gifts and, of course, taking care of the pieces though the years. I`ve been collecting Beatles stuff since I received the album 'Rubber Soul' as a present when I was 10 years old."
Long-time fan Vazquez has seen Paul McCartney several times in concert. "I`ve seen the three Paul McCartneys shows in Argentina in 1993 and last year (2010) I`ve seen the two new shows."
There are many unique pieces in the collection, though pinpointing one or two, he says, isn't easy.
"It is very difficult for a collector to choose a single piece. Every object has its charm. But I could say that I choose the full box of bubble gum, checks signed by George and Ringo, a letter from Aunt Mimi talking to a friend about John, elements used for promotions like a box of condoms with John and Yoko`s image, autographs, tickets to concerts, show programs, signed albums, the entire American discography, an original brick from the Liverpool`s Cavern Club, a piece of scenery from Star Club in Hamburg and an original tile from Strawberry Fields."
- You can find the museum on Facebook as “Rodolfo R. Vazquez´s Beatles Collection”.
© COPYRIGHT STATEMENT: This article is the original work of Steve Marinucci. Under no circumstance may any portion of this article be broadcast, copied, published, rewritten or used without the permission of the author. To purchase this or any other article by Steve Marinucci, please email beatlesexaminer@gmail.com.
Comments
Wow - what an impressive collection! For good or bad I have about 75% of the items I saw in the photos - wonder where I should donate my collection?
Joe, if you have nearly 75% of Rodolfo's collection, feel free to donte yours to me!
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