'The Art of Metallica': New Virtual Black Box Exhibit Opens

As 2021 neared its end, Metallica unveiled a massive virtual museum for the world to enjoy. Filled with treasures from the band's career, The Metallica Black Box has become a one-of-a-kind way for fans to experience their favorite band like never before.

And on Nov. 1, Metallica added a few more treasures to the Box thanks to the opening of the brand-new exhibit, The Art of Metallica.

The Art of Metallica features many new experiences, like drafts and untold stories of album artwork, including handwritten notes from Lars Ulrich about the design of the cover of ...And Justice For All and an original print of Les Edward's "The Devils of D-Day" painting, which was used as the artwork for the "Jump In the Fire" single.

Also included in the exhibit are several different concert posters—like Sergio Moctezuma's unforgettable poster for Metallica's 2009 show in Nashville—and designs and graphics featured on clothing and other accessories.

Many other items take fans even deeper into Metallica lore, courtesy of storyboards for music videos, artwork by band members and tributes created by fans.

"To see your musical vision turn into something else, a totally different vision—it's amazing," Kirk Hammett said when the exhibit was announced. "I have my concept of what the music means to me in a visual aspect, but to really see how other people interpret it and visualize it...is totally, completely mind-blowing."

The Art of Metallica, like all exhibits within The Metallica Black Box, is free for anyone to peruse. But make sure to heed this advice from the band:

Don’t wait too long. Like any good museum, our curators will be refreshing collections, switching out on-view artifacts for new ones regularly. You’ll want to step through the Black Box’s virtual velvet ropes early and often to see every last piece of “totally, completely mind-blowing” art inspired by the musical vision of Metallica.

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Check Out Early Artwork For ...And Justice For All

The Metallica Black Box

Our Favorite Metallica Cover Art — Singles

This was no easy task, and there's no doubt that many will have their own personal favorite cover art that they think should be included in this collection. From looking at absolutely killer artwork created by Brian Schroeder—better known to 'Tallica fans as the artist Pushead—and awesome shots of the band to hand-drawn cover art by James Hetfield himself, these are 10 covers that we love.

Here Are Some of Our Favorite Metallica T-Shirts

Metallica have not only created some of the best heavy metal in the last 40 years, they've also created some of the most iconic T-shirts. In the last four decades, they've worked with incredible artists like Pushead, Brian Ewing and others to bring their songs and albums to life. In the gallery below, we've picked out some of our favorite T-shirts that are currently available at Metallica's official online store. Which one is your favorite?

Filed Under: Metallica Black Box