Elon Musk, known for his audacious endeavors, is creating a stir once more by auctioning off a range of Twitter memorabilia and office supplies. Musk has been on a quest to overhaul the platform and streamline its operations since he bought the social media behemoth last year. To achieve this goal and save costs, thousands of jobs have been eliminated.
The auction, aptly named “Twitter Rebranding: Online Auction Featuring Memorabilia, Art, Office Assets & More!”, boasts an impressive collection of 584 lots, ranging from quirky to iconic. Among the items up for grabs are coffee tables, oversized bird cages, and oil paintings that capture viral moments from the platform.
Particularly eye-catching is the offering of desks, chairs, and even a DJ booth, alongside a plethora of musical instruments that could outfit an entire band. The sheer diversity of items reflects the multifaceted nature of Twitter’s operations, from office spaces to content creation.
The auction also highlights the remnants of Twitter’s physical presence, as evidenced by a sign that remains affixed to the company’s San Francisco headquarters. The sign, featuring the iconic bird logo, comes with a unique stipulation for its removal – the buyer must arrange for a licensed company with the appropriate permits to handle the task.
Art enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados will be drawn to two oil paintings that immortalize significant Twitter moments. One captures Ellen DeGeneres’ star-studded selfie from the 2014 Academy Awards, while the other depicts then-US President Barack Obama’s celebrated tweet upon his re-election in 2012.
The auction company, Heritage Global Partners, states that the starting bid for each property is a comparatively low $25 (£19.70). The auction, which is slated to start on September 12 and end two days later, is anticipated to draw a wide variety of bidders—from tech aficionados to collectors—eager to possess a piece of Twitter’s history under Musk’s leadership.
This auction serves as a concrete representation of Elon Musk’s vision for the future of the platform as he continues to take risky steps in his effort to transform Twitter. The auction’s varied collection of objects not only provides a window into the history of the platform but also sheds light on the direction Musk intends to take it going ahead.