Barbican Music Library to Host Free '1996' Exhibition Celebrating 30 Years of Cool Britannia

Travel back to the 1990s this spring and summer in London with a new exhibition marking thirty years of Cool Britannia. Running from 16 April to 19 September 2026, 1996 at the Barbican Music Library offers visitors a chance to explore a decade when music, fashion, football, dance culture, art, food, politics, and the media spectacularly collided.

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Exhibition Highlights & Rare Memorabilia

Curated by author, broadcaster, and former editor of The Sun Dominic Mohan, this must-see show captures the era when London felt like the centre of the earth. Highlights on display include:

• Original costumes worn by the Spice Girls

• Previously unseen Oasis memorabilia

• Iconic photography by Jill Furmanovsky and Derek Ridgers

• Personal items from top DJs and record producers including Paul Oakenfold, Dave Pearce, and Judge Jules

Presented by the City of London Corporation, the event will also feature a dedicated programme of Q&As with key figures from the 1990s.

Visitor Information & Opening Hours

Admission to the 1996 exhibition is completely free of charge. The Barbican Music Library is situated on Level 2 within the Barbican Centre and can be reached via stairs or lifts from Level G, or via Frobisher Crescent from the highwalks.

Opening hours for the library are as follows:

• Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:30am – 5:30pm

• Tuesday & Thursday: 9:30am – 7:30pm

• Saturday: 9:30am – 4:00pm

• Sunday & Bank Holidays: Closed