It was a case of go big or go home for Kenny Maxymowich’s Iron Maiden collection, but since it was so extensive, he couldn’t put it all on display until his home underwent renovations.

With the expansion to his Winnipeg-area home nearly complete, Maxymowich recently displayed his museum-quality collection. He believes it’s the world’s largest Iron Maiden accumulation and estimates its value at $200,000.

Maxymowich gave the Winnipeg Sun an exclusive tour of his pride and joy, which fills almost every inch — including the ceilings — of a main room and loft area that spans 1,200 square feet.

“I never thought I’d have my own room,” said the 46-year-old married father of three, who wasn’t certain what his collection included until he displayed it. “If an auction came up and I wanted it, I’d have to go through crates to try to find it.

“Now everything is on display so it takes me minutes to see if I have it.”

Amazingly, Maxymowich only started collecting a few years ago after getting a poster for Christmas, but his passion for the British heavy metal band — formed in 1975 by bassist Steve Harris — goes way back. Maxymowich first saw Iron Maiden in Winnipeg in 1982 and has seen them perform numerous times across North America and the U.K.

Iron Maiden recorded its self-titled debut album in 1980 and has had several lineup changes over the years, with Harris being the lone original member.

“The passion is still there and that comes from Steve,” said Maxymowich, who’ll host fan club members from all over the world a day before Iron Maiden plays at MTS Centre on July 24.

Some of Maxymowich’s most prized possessions are rare early recordings and photos of the band.

“This is their very first record (released in 1979),” he said, pointing to one of many framed records on a wall — all accompanied by letters of authenticity. “There were 5,000 copies made. They were just handed out or available at their early gigs.

“A few collectors have one copy. I have close to 20 copies now.”

Maxymowich, who works in the construction industry, frequently searches eBay for items.

“A lot of stuff now I won’t buy individually because with the post costs, it gets too expensive,” he said.

Although eBay has made collecting easier, it’s also opened the door to scams. All collectors get burned the odd time, Maxymowich said, and he takes great pleasure in helping fans and collectors avoid bad deals.

“I know how many bootlegs and fake stuff there is out there,” he said. “I feel sorry for people who are spending their honest money and getting crap.

“For example, The Soundhouse Tapes (Iron Maiden’s debut EP that features their very first recordings) — there are so many bootlegs out there. There are people who’ve had them for 30 years and think they’re original, and they’re not. They’ll be putting it up for sale and I have to tell them it’s not original.”

Maxymowich visited the home of Clive Burr, the band’s drummer from 1979-82, with a fellow fan while visiting the U.K. last summer.

“I got to meet him and look at all of his awards and memorabilia,” he said. “That was cool.

“But it’s more about the friends that I meet. I can go to a few places in the world and have somewhere to stay because I’ve met them through the fan club and even through eBay.”

Before I left his home, I told Maxymowich he must have a very understanding wife to let him indulge in his hobby so deeply. He pointed to a giant screen that he uses for movies and Iron Maiden videos.

“I let her watch Survivor on the big screen, so it works out even,” he said with a grin.

Some of what's in Kenny Maxymowich’s Iron Maiden collection: