Saint Vitus Bar at The Punk Rock Museum

The Punk Rock Museum is kicking off 2025 in style, with a one-of-a-kind celebration of one of New York’s most iconic music institutions. On January 25, 2025, the museum welcomes the opening of the highly anticipated exhibit, Saint Vitus Bar: The First Ten Years: Photos from Brooklyn’s Most Beloved Institution by acclaimed photographer Nathaniel Shannon.

This exhibit chronicles the legendary first decade of Saint Vitus Bar, a venue that became a cornerstone of New York’s music scene. Renowned for hosting some of the most electrifying performances in punk, metal, and hardcore history, Saint Vitus Bar is celebrated for its gritty charm and unwavering dedication to live music.

The opening night promises to be an unforgettable event. Attendees will be treated to an artist discussion featuring Walter Schreifels (Quicksand, Youth of Today, Gorilla Biscuits) and Nathaniel Shannon, moderated by Dan Ozzi, the acclaimed author of Sellout. The conversation will explore the storied legacy of Saint Vitus Bar and the stories behind the photos, with plenty of behind-the-scenes anecdotes to captivate fans of the venue and music alike. Don’t be late — this is your chance to hear legends spill the tea!

The Punk Rock Museum will also unveil an exclusive limited edition of Saint Vitus Bar: The First Ten Years, available for purchase in The Shop during the event. This 344-page tome is a treasure trove of oral and visual history, packed with interviews, stories, photographs, posters, essays, and never-before-seen documents. Contributors to this monumental book include Descendents, Against Me!, Anthrax, The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Armed, Chuck Klosterman, and more, with a foreword by Walter Schreifels.

Adding to the excitement, Schreifels himself will serve as a tour guide at The Punk Rock Museum on January 25 and 26, offering fans an intimate look at the museum’s exhibits and sharing his unique perspective on the punk rock world.

“Saint Vitus was, without question, New York’s most important music institution of the last decade. It deserves the highest caliber of documentation, and that’s what Nathaniel Shannon delivered with this book,” says Dan Ozzi. “I owe so much of my life and my career to Vitus, and I am reminded of that every time I turn the page.”

The exhibit culls a stunning collection of images that capture the raw energy, camaraderie, and unforgettable performances that defined Saint Vitus Bar’s first decade. From the stage to the crowd, Nathaniel Shannon’s lens immortalizes the spirit of a venue that became a second home for countless artists and fans.

Tickets for the opening night and Walter Schreifels’ tour guide sessions are on sale now. This is a rare opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Saint Vitus Bar and immerse yourself in the vibrant history of punk rock. Secure your spot and join the Punk Rock Museum in honoring a true cultural landmark.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Saint Vitus Bar or a newcomer eager to learn about its impact, this exhibit promises to be a must-see event. Be there to celebrate the first ten years of an institution that redefined live music in Brooklyn and beyond.