London’s Barbican has just opened a free exhibition all about 1996 – with Spice Girls outfits, Britpop memorabilia and more

Calling all ’90s babies. A free exhibition has opened at the Barbican, and it’s celebrating the era of Cool Britannia with all things Spice Girls and Britpop. 

Mel B’s leopard print catsuit, Gerri Halliwell’s union jack print boots and Liam Gallagher’s tambourine are some of the best things that will be displayed in the exhibition that will be focussing on one year specifically: 1996. 

The free exhibit, called 1996: A celebration of the wildest year of Britain’s wildest decade – 30 years on, is created by former Sun editor and its ‘Bizarre’ columnist, Dominic Mohan. It opened at the Barbican Music Library yesterday (April 16). 

Why 1996? This was the year the Spice Girls released ‘Wannabe’ and scored three number ones. Oasis played Maine Road and Knebworth, the Sex Pistols reunited, and Pulp, Blur and Suede were in the charts. The Trainspotting film came out, and Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst emerged as two of the most provocative voices in British art. England made it to the semi-finals of the 1996 Euros, and Tony Blair was Prime Minister, bringing in an era of New Labour. 

Music fans and nostalgia hunters will have plenty to get stuck into in the exhibition. On display alongside the Spice Girls’ outfits will be previously unseen Oasis memorabilia; items from record producers and DJs Paul Oakenfold, Dave Pearce and Judge Jules; concert flyers and tickets; music magazines; and tabloids’ front pages. A Brit Awards trophy is also on display, on loan from the British Phonographic Industry – the trophy was presented to winning artists in 1996 including Oasis, Annie Lennox, Paul Weller, Take That and David Bowie. 

Exhibition creator and curator, Dominic Mohan, said: ‘I’m thrilled that we’ve got Mel B’s catsuit, Geri’s platform boots, Emma B’s dress, Liam’s tambourine, and a Brit Award trophy all jostling for position next to so many other incredible items. In creating this exhibition, I’ve hoped to capture that magical period when pop, rock, football, art, dance culture, food, the media, and politics fused together spectacularly to become the wildest year of Britain’s wildest decade.’

1996 is open at the Barbican Music Library from now until 19 September 2026. Entry is free. 

First look: Time Out’s review of London’s spectacular new V&A East Museum. 

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