Original “Ride the Lightning” and “Master of Puppets” artwork to feature in a Metallica exhibition
Author Staff - 27.10.2026
The visual history of Metallica is set to take centre stage in San Francisco. Haight Street Art Center has announced The Art of Metallica, an exhibition opening on November 5, 2026, and running through January 10, 2027.
Among its most significant displays are the original paintings used for two of the band’s most recognisable sleeves: “Ride the Lightning” and “Master of Puppets”. Visitors will also encounter concert posters, early flyers, historical memorabilia and fan-created artwork charting the group’s visual identity across more than four decades.
Beyond the album covers
According to the venue, a section will explore the work of artist Pushead, whose designs became closely associated with Metallica. The exhibition will also examine the evolution of the band’s logo and feature a retrospective of its connections to Bay Area sports.
One especially local artefact is the original marquee sign from the Old Waldorf, the San Francisco club where Metallica performed in 1982. Other displays will include fan banners, vintage merchandise and an interactive pinball area.
The show places the band’s artwork in the wider tradition of San Francisco concert posters, a culture that pre-dates Metallica but helped shape the visual language of rock music.
The Art of Metallica will be on view at 215 Haight Street, San Francisco. Details are available from the Haight Street Art Center, which has confirmed the dates and core exhibits.
Upcoming shows:
- Thursday, October 29, 2026 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Saturday, October 31, 2026 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Thursday, November 5, 2026 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Saturday, November 7, 2026 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Thursday, November 19, 2026 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
- Saturday, November 21, 2026 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
- Thursday, January 28, 2027 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Saturday, January 30, 2027 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Thursday, February 4, 2027 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Saturday, February 6, 2027 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Thursday, February 18, 2027 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Saturday, February 20, 2027 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Thursday, February 25, 2027 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Saturday, February 27, 2027 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Thursday, March 4, 2027 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Saturday, March 6, 2027 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Thursday, March 11, 2027 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Saturday, March 13, 2027 – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – Sphere
- Saturday, May 08, 2027 – BC Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Thursday, May 13, 2027 – Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA, US
- Tuesday, May 18, 2027 – Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, TX, US
- Saturday, May 22, 2027 – Alamodome, San Antonio, TX, US
- Wednesday, May 26, 2027 – Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR, US
- Saturday, May 29, 2027 – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO, US
- Wednesday, June 02, 2027 – Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC, US
- Saturday, June 05, 2027 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN, US
- Tuesday, June 08, 2027 – Highmark Stadium, Buffalo, NY, US
- Saturday, June 12, 2027 – Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI, US
- Tuesday, June 15, 2027 – Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH, US
- Saturday, June 19, 2027 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT, US
Get your tickets by clicking here.
