I Grew Up 90s
18 JUL - 01 NOV
f you fancy a heavy dose of nostalgia, a major new exhibition has opened its doors in Basingstoke. Running from July 18 to November 1, 2026, the I Grew Up 90’s exhibition at the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery offers visitors a vibrant, time-capsule journey back to one of Britain’s most defining decades.
Curated by cultural historian and collector Matt Fox, the exhibition features a collection of more than 200 original objects and artworks. It explores a simpler pre-smartphone era defined by dial-up internet, Cool Britannia, and the rise of massive pop-culture phenomena.
What to Expect
Iconic Milestones & Crazes: The exhibition covers everything that shaped a generation’s childhood and teenage years, from the global craze of Pokémon and Power Rangers to the inescapable presence of Teletubbies, The Spice Girls, and Lara Croft.
Retro Gaming: Visitors can test their skills on a classic retro arcade machine packed with iconic titles like Tetris, Tekken, Street Fighter, and Sonic the Hedgehog.
A Different Way of Life: Reflecting on the era, curator Matt Fox notes that those who grew up in the 90s experienced a world “before smart phones, social media or reality TV,” making it a distinct historical snapshot for those who lived through it as children and teenagers.
Plan Your Visit
Location: The Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery, Market Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7QD
Dates: July 18, 2026 – November 1, 2026
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
Whether you want to reminisce about playground trends, iconic fashion, or the distinct pop-culture footprint of the 90s, the exhibition promises plenty of “I remember that!” moments for the whole family.
Curated by cultural historian and collector Matt Fox, the exhibition features a collection of more than 200 original objects and artworks. It explores a simpler pre-smartphone era defined by dial-up internet, Cool Britannia, and the rise of massive pop-culture phenomena.
What to Expect
Iconic Milestones & Crazes: The exhibition covers everything that shaped a generation’s childhood and teenage years, from the global craze of Pokémon and Power Rangers to the inescapable presence of Teletubbies, The Spice Girls, and Lara Croft.
Retro Gaming: Visitors can test their skills on a classic retro arcade machine packed with iconic titles like Tetris, Tekken, Street Fighter, and Sonic the Hedgehog.
A Different Way of Life: Reflecting on the era, curator Matt Fox notes that those who grew up in the 90s experienced a world “before smart phones, social media or reality TV,” making it a distinct historical snapshot for those who lived through it as children and teenagers.
Plan Your Visit
Location: The Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery, Market Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7QD
Dates: July 18, 2026 – November 1, 2026
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
Whether you want to reminisce about playground trends, iconic fashion, or the distinct pop-culture footprint of the 90s, the exhibition promises plenty of “I remember that!” moments for the whole family.