The 1990s stand as a defining decade in modern history, a period of transition that bridged the analog past with the digital future.

Now, History Colorado’s new exhibit offers a nostalgic yet insightful look back at the events and cultural shifts that shaped the era.

“The 90s: Last Decade Before the Future” invites visitors to relive the moments, both big and small, that captured the essence of a time marked by technological breakthroughs, political upheaval, and the rise of new cultural icons.

Like many exhibits that draw on nostalgia, this one aims to evoke fond memories. However, there’s a deeper message embedded within the experience, one that speaks to the collective strength of the locals—and people worldwide—found during challenging times.

As Jeremy Morton, the exhibition developer and historian at History Colorado, explains, “We seem to be hit with a barrage of world-changing events that could be overwhelming for people, and the idea is to show that this is actually a continuum.

You lived through technological anxiety and political tensions and constant world-changing events already in the nineties. You survived that and you came out stronger.”

Indeed, the 1990s were a pivotal time for change. The decade saw monumental shifts, from the collapse of the Soviet Union to the O.J. Simpson trial, to the widespread anxiety surrounding the Y2K bug.

It was also the time when the Internet began to reshape daily life, mobile phones became ubiquitous, and the world witnessed the rise of pop culture phenomena like the Macarena.

In many ways, it was a decade that felt like a bridge between two eras—one rooted in the past, the other hurtling toward an uncertain future. Morton highlights this notion with the exhibit’s tagline: “The last decade before the future.”
Visitors to the exhibit will follow a circular path, with each section dedicated to a specific year from 1990 to 1999.

These sections highlight between 10 and 15 major events from across the globe, alongside key moments that shaped Colorado’s own history.

The heart of the exhibit is a comprehensive snapshot of the 1990s, offering a deep dive into the political, technological, and cultural milestones that defined the decade.

Along the exhibit’s outer edge, pop culture takes center stage. Here, visitors will find sections dedicated to the era’s most iconic music, fashion, sports, and movies.

One of the standout features is a recreated Blockbuster video store, filled with classic films like The Lion King and Braveheart, capturing the spirit of a time when renting a movie was an event in itself.

Morton points out, “It’s fun for millennials… and Gen X and Boomers to come back and revisit memories that they have shared, the lived history that we all have.”

He adds, “When you come to the exhibit, you realize, ‘Oh, wow, so much happened.’ And it really sparks conversations with people like, ‘I remember where I was when that happened.’”

The exhibit’s highlights are nothing short of impressive. Among the notable items are a piece of the Berlin Wall, which marks the end of the Cold War, as well as iconic artifacts from the White House, including personal items used by Bill and Hillary Clinton.

Visitors can also see costumes worn by major stars of the decade, such as Whoopi Goldberg’s pink suit from Ghost and Tom Hanks’ combat uniform from Saving Private Ryan.

For those who grew up with the music of the 1990s, the exhibit showcases signature outfits worn by music legends like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., and the Backstreet Boys, transporting visitors back to the days when these artists ruled the airwaves.

Sports fans will also find a treasure trove of memorabilia, including items from star athletes such as John Elway, Michael Jordan, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Wayne Gretzky, among many others.
In addition to the pop culture artifacts, the exhibit offers a rich collection of vintage fashion, toys, and technology, providing a glimpse into the innovations and trends that defined the decade.

From the early days of the World Wide Web to the rise of mobile gaming, the exhibit encapsulates a time of rapid change, both in the world and in everyday life.

By bringing these diverse elements together, History Colorado’s exhibition offers an opportunity to reflect on the 1990, and why not, be nostalgic about it.

(Photo credit: historycolorado.org / Denver7 / u/FilteredRiddle / Wikimedia Commons).