When we look at old pictures of places, sometimes we don’t realize how much it has changed with the passing of time, but when we look at the pictures of then and now, side by side, we realize how time can change so many things.
They highlight familiar places that even at different moments, still give us chills and nostalgia, and how things, in general, evolve while still holding onto their past and reinventing themselves.
Whether it’s a dramatic transformation or just a street that’s now a little busier, it’s still shocking to see how there’s a story in all places that stretches across decades and generations too.
1
East 28th Street Brownstones, NYC, 1890s/2023
Proof that preservation and history can coexist.
2
Kraków Tram Line, Poland, 1939/2010
They at least kept the architectural character the same, even if the transit system has become more modern.
3
Jagodina Main Street, Serbia, 1925/2022
The spirit remains recognizable despite the years that have passed.
4
Camelback Mountain, Arizona, 1940s/Today
The mountain still remains an iconic landmark.
5
Shenandoah County Road, Virginia, 1930s/2019
A rural dirt path has now become a modern roadway.
6
Pyramid of the Sun, Teotihuacán, 1900/2022
It once looked like a simple mound but excavation revealed the iconic pyramid.
7
Sears house, 1919/2023
A family has maintained this house for over a century.
8
Franz Josef glacier, New Zealand, 1960s/2020s
The glacier has significantly retreated, leaving behind a valley.
9
Odessa Opera house, Ukraine, 1942/2022
Despite conflict through times, the building still stands.
10
Temple of Kukulcán, Chichén Itzá, 1890s/Today
Once hidden beneath, now has been uncovered and restored.
11
Svalbard, Norway, 1910s/2020s
Ice once dominated the scenery, now is just thinning glaciers.
12
Ghent, Belgium, 1900/2023
While the historic memory remains, the canal now buzzes with life.
13
Bristol, England, 1960s/2020s
That vintage look is long gone, replaced by a calmer layout.
14
Small town main street, USA, 1940s/2020s
The roads changed but the nostalgia stays the same.
15
Niagara Falls, USA, early 1900s/2020s
Tourism shifted and time passed but the falls remained powerful.
16
Oxford, England, 1810/2015
The historic architecture still defines this street.
17
Isbell Seeds Co., Michigan, 1910s/2020s
The building remains, but its energy faded.
18
Long Beach, California, 1930s/2020s
The skyline changed but the old landmarks still hold the view.
19
Bamiyan Buddhas, Afghanistan, 1963/2008
A reminder of all the heritage lost.
20
High Bridge aqueduct, NYC, 1905/2023
Blending history with everyday city life.
