A week ago, on Valentines Day, the Warhol Live exhibit opened at the DeYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park. And, in the spirit of everyone’s favorite Hallmark Holiday, it was easy to see how one could become instantly smitten with the innovative layout and sheer size of the traveling tribute to all things Andy Warhol.

The exhibit appropriately begins with an introduction to Andy Warhol through some of his earliest passions and experiences, and demonstrates the iterative process that led Warhol to move from his prolific childhood collection of Hollwood magazines to his renowned silkscreens of Judy Garland and Elvis Presley, among others. Moving through the thick black curtains that separate each of the dark, sparsely-lit rooms the exhibit unfolds into a presentation of some of the 50+ album covers Warhol created for a diverse list of performers including the Rolling Stones, the Smiths and of course, the Velvet Underground.

Quite a few of Warhol’s multimedia works are presented, including a huge wall projection of his epic, 8-hour film Empire, as well as an interesting set of plexiglass-encased CRT’s playing more of Warhol’s unique film projects in an unending loop. This area also features work from Warhol’s friends and occasional co-creators, explaining the evolution of classic Warhol pieces such as silkscreens of modern dance influencer Merce Cunningham.

The exhibition continues on (again through thick black curtains) to a very cool reproduction of Warhol’s Brillo Box pieces, then into a room displaying hundreds of behind-the-scenes photos of Warhol and his pop-icon co-conspirators from the 60s and 70s, and then into a room that attempts to recreate Warhol’s Exploding Plastic Inevitable, the infamous late-60s mutlimedia show that was likely an absolute blast for its attendees (at least, those who didn’t take the brown acid). Finally, the show ends with a dramatic self-portrait of Andy Warhol accompanied by loud booming music (a feature common throughout the exhibit) before spilling into the requisite gift shop (which, incidentally, had an amazing collection of Warhol items that would be the delight of any fan).

Overall, this is an excellent show that highlights a broad range of Warhol’s work, and much of the history behind the man and his art. The design of the exhibit is quite unique, and provides enough interactivity and types of artwork that even non-Warhol fans will find plenty to keep them occupied. Add to this that admission to the Warhol Live exhibit is included as part of your ticket to the DeYoung - which has a fabulous collection of contemporary art and one of the best views of San Francisco you’ll find in the City - and this is a show you shouldn’t miss. Hurry though, the circus leaves town on May 17.