A major new exhibition exploring the explosive creativity of the 1990s is poised to become one of the must-see art events in the world next year. Tate Britain's 'The 90s' will open in London in October 2026, promising a deep dive into the decade's defining fusion of art, fashion, photography, and pop culture.
A Cultural Revolution Curated by a Visionary
The landmark show has been curated by the influential former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful. His unique perspective, forged as the youngest-ever fashion director at i-D magazine during the period, ensures an authentic and insider view. Enninful's personal connections with icons like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell inform the selection, which aims to capture the spirit of rebellion and experimentation that characterised the era.
Tate Britain describes the 1990s as a time when a new dawn of optimism and freedom took hold as the Cold War ended and Britain emerged from recession. The institution states the exhibition will explore how long-held hierarchies were dismantled, allowing high art and pop culture to dynamically feed into one another and create a potent new cultural force.
What Visitors Can Expect to See
The exhibition will be a comprehensive survey of the decade's groundbreaking output. Visitors can expect to encounter iconic photographic works from artists such as Juergen Teller and Nick Knight. The radical fashion of the time will be represented by legendary designs from Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and Hussein Chalayan.
Alongside these, pioneering pieces from leading Young British Artists (YBAs) including Damien Hirst, Gillian Wearing, and Yinka Shonibare will be featured. The show promises to illustrate how subculture, music, and design fused together, signalling a bold renewal of British creative spirit with a lasting global influence.
Key Details for Your Diary
'The 90s' will open to the public at Tate Britain on 6 October 2026. The exhibition is scheduled to run for several months, closing in February 2027, giving art lovers ample opportunity to experience this definitive retrospective. It stands out as one of the most anticipated cultural events in London's 2026 calendar, alongside other global highlights like Sydney's Biennale and a major Matisse retrospective in Chicago.
For those looking to cultivate their cultural knowledge in the new year, this exhibition represents an unmissable deep dive into a decade that reshaped the contemporary creative landscape. Its focus on the cross-pollination between disciplines makes it a particularly relevant show for understanding today's cultural trends.
