Wu-Tang Clan: Rare album to go on display at Mona in Tasmania

An album so rare and valuable that only a few ears have ever listened to it is set to go on display at an Australian gallery, giving the public a taste of the uber-exclusive tracks.

Housed in an ornate silver box, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin – recorded in secret by the Wu-Tang Clan over six years – was designed to be a piece of fine art. Only a single CD copy exists.

The record by the pioneering hip-hop group is the most expensive ever sold, and has been has now been loaned to Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona).

Over 10 days in June, Mona will host small listening parties where members of the public can hear a curated, 30-minute sample of the album.

The album is part of its Namedropping exhibition, which examines status, notoriety and “the human pursuit”.

“Every once in a while, an object on this planet possesses mystical properties that transcend its material circumstances,” said Mona Director of Curatorial Affairs Jarrod Rawlins.

“Once Upon a Time in Shaolin is more than just an album, so… I knew I had to get it into this exhibition.”

Recorded in New York City and produced in Marrakesh between 2006 and 2013, the album includes the nine surviving members of the group – and features pop artist Cher and Game of Thrones actress Carice Van Houten.