Kurt Cobain’s childhood home is officially a historically significant site

The house in Aberdeen, Washington where Kurt Cobain grew up has officially been recognised as a historic site. As announced by Washington state’s Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, the building has joined its “Heritage Register” of culturally significant buildings, with plans to return it to its original state in the works.

Constructed in 1923, the one-and-a-half storey home was inhabited by the Nirvana frontman from 1968 to 1984. The current co-owner, Lee Bacon, bought the property from the Cobain family in 2018, and began restoring it shortly after.

Bacon now tells Rolling Stone that the restoration is “90 to 95 percent” finished. Many of the rooms feature the original furniture and “period Seventies” fittings, while the outside will be decorated to recreate the original appearance.

“Our goal is to make the house a tribute project to Kurt’s early life and career, with museum detail,” Bacon adds. “The next chapter is how to make that happen.” Local zoning regulations will apparently prevent the house from becoming a dedicated, full-time museum, but free private tours are on the horizon, with plans to open its doors next spring.

Kurt Cobain’s sister, Kim Cobain, is also backing the project. “I enjoy being involved and providing my input,” she tells Rolling Stone. “I am very happy and supportive Lee and Dani took this on three years ago.”

Though it’s rare for a childhood home to be considered for the “Heritage Register”, the executive director of Washington state’s Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Allyson Brooks, says that the decision was unanimous: “Everyone on the council recognised the importance of the place.” 

Cobain’s legacy has also caused the price of his personal possessions to skyrocket at auction in recent years, with his iconic green cardigan, MTV Unplugged guitar, and self-portraits selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even a lock of his hair was auctioned off earlier this year, fetching $13,800.