Even though it is physically impossible, people have always desired to travel in time. Whether it is to discover what your city looked like in the past, mend a mistake, or shift the course of history, chances are you've been tempted by time travel at least once in your life. Countless movies have taken this topic to the big screen, such as the famous Back to the Future. However, even if you can't get inside a DeLorean to magically appear at a different age like in the film, you can travel by looking at pictures. People have documented everything from their old family homes to ancient monuments and compared them with how they look now. With the help of the subreddit r/OldPhotosInRealLife, get ready to be amazed by these fantastic “then and now” photos.
The Manhattan Bridge was already outstanding in 1908, seven years after the start of its construction
New York is known not only for its busy streets and cosmopolitan population but also for its world-renowned landmarks. These provide the background for pictures of millions of tourists that visit them every year, but there was a time when they didn't exist, and these pictures prove it.
Take a look at these photos of the Manhattan Bridge. Its construction started in 1901, and the picture above shows it seven years into the process of being built. Today, you probably couldn't imagine New York without this notorious landmark. Along with the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges, this one has become a must-see in the Big Apple.
The trams in Krakow, Poland, haven't changed much since 1939
The first things that spring to mind when you think about public transportation modes are probably trains and buses. However, in some European cities, other alternatives continue to be the primary way of moving around the metropolis. This is the case of the tram, which has existed for several years but is still in use.
By comparing these two pictures of Krakow, Poland, one from 1939 and the other from 2010, you'll notice that not a lot has changed, at least superficially. Sure, the cars look radically different, and the technology that powers them has improved. But, by the looks of it, the tram as a mode of transportation isn't going anywhere.
Stonehenge in Salisbury, England, remains a mystery both in 1877 and 2019
Scientists have come across many objects and monuments throughout history that couldn't be explained. What purposes did certain constructions serve or when they were created continues to puzzle historians today. They may visit the site and develop different hypotheses, but history never provides a definitive answer.
This is the case of Stonehenge, located in the English Salisbury Plain. How similar these pictures look, the one above taken in 1877 and one below in 2019, is astounding. This grouping of standing stones is thought to be 5,000 years old, and the two pictures prove that the mystery is still intact.
This unique-looking brewery in Wuppertal, Germany, used to be a public bath in 1993
Unlike the previous pictures, the differences in this next “then and now” are shocking. Old buildings that were given a second chance as something completely different are always exciting to visit. But, even if you can't see the change with your own eyes, you can take a look at these photos.
Where there are now co-workers enjoying an after office beer, there used to be people unplugging from the world while swimming. You must've noticed that in the 2019 picture, the stairs leading to the ex-diving board are decorated with figures of a man and a woman getting ready for a swim.
Western Metal Supply Company: the transition from factory to stadium in San Diego, California
Here's another building that went through a profound change. As you can imagine, city architects had no way of predicting the future needs of future citizens. Therefore, they couldn't have come up with plans to build certain places, like malls or football stadiums. Unfortunately, the many years spent at university don't include a crystal ball.
But that doesn't mean people can't change how a building looks to serve a contemporary purpose. Like the previous “then and now,” this factory stopped producing metal to satisfy the modern need to de-stress over a sports game. And they even chose to keep the factory sign to let the supporters know about the stadium's history.
The ordinary mountains of South Dakota in 1922 before they became Mount Rushmore
While many artists get inspired by nature to paint breath-taking sceneries, it's a less common sight to see an artist using a pristine, natural location as their work canvas. How does one sculpt a face into a granite mountain? You've surely heard about this next monument, but let's take a moment to consider the expertise required to make it come true.
The first picture was taken in 1922 in Keystone, South Dakota, before the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln were carved into the rocks. What was then an ordinary rock mountain is now a historical monument that attracts more than 2 million visitors per year.
The Yasgur Dairy Farm was the location of the Woodstock festival in 1969
Along with famous monuments, some music events also had their pages written in the history books. This music festival took place in 1969, and by hearing the year, you probably know which one we're talking about. Still, it's shocking to see the location in its original state.
This is what the 600-acre Woodstock site looks like without the 400,000 festival-goers that gathered to listen to their favorite artists. It's weird to imagine Jimi Hendrix and The Who jamming on what seems like a peaceful family farm, right? Also, the green space doesn't look like it could fit that many attendees.
Some things never change, like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air basketball court: 1990 vs. 2021
“Now, this is the story all about how…” is how the intro of this nineties sit-com starts. The main character, played by Will Smith, is a teenager from Philadelphia who suddenly gets sent to live with his wealthy relatives in Los Angeles. The Fresh Prince was a basketball player, and a fan found the basketball court used in the series.
The show started airing in 1990, and the nostalgia of this fan took them to recreate the intro scene in 2021 with a picture of Will Smith. Although many directors use studios to shoot their episodes, others prefer real-life locations. Lucky for the admirers that get to visit them!
The changing Tivoli amusement park in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 1900 to 2018
It's a shame that the camera wasn't invited earlier. With these devices, we can see what big cities looked like in the past and how life was like for their citizens. Throughout the years, people carry different objects in their hands and change how they dress, not to mention the possible alterations in their surroundings.
These pictures of the entrance to the Tivoli theme park in the capital city of Denmark are a clear example of cultural development. Imagine walking around the street and seeing women wearing those funky hats. You'd maybe get weird looks if you dressed like that today, but you'd be incredibly trendy back in the day.
The famous Lombard Street in San Francisco, from 1922 to 2018
It's hard to picture San Francisco without this beautiful street. Its zig-zag lanes offer a unique tourist attraction and are a staple of Golden Gate City. Although you were probably born after it came into existence, it's really fascinating to look at the process of how this renowned street was built.
Before there were planted trees in its surroundings and buildings constructed beside it, in 1922, the would-be street was a bunch of dirt with no cars daring to cross it. Drivers and tourists would have to wait a few months before they could take this path, as it was finished in that same year.
Abraham Lincoln's former 19th-century home in Springfield, Illinois, has been turned into a museum
It's safe to say that, nowadays, presidents live comfortably, having access to more luxuries than the average citizen. In the U.S, the top executive branch member lives, eats, and sleeps in the White House, with its 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms. But it hasn't always been this way.
This was Abraham Lincoln's house. Built in 1839, it's undoubtedly more modest than the president's current home. The picture below was taken in 2021, and it allows us to see the simplicity of the building, which has been turned into a museum called the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and can be visited with a guided tour.
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C wasn't that picture-worthy in 1917
Though he was murdered in 1865, Abraham Lincoln continues to be one of the most prominent figures in American history. The politician abolished slavery, modernized his country's economy, and strengthened the federal government. For these reasons, a Lincoln memorial was built in Washington D.C. It's safe to say it looks better now than it did back in the day.
The picture on top shows the memorial in 1917, while the bottom one was taken in 2016. If you compare both images, you'll notice people weren't as excited to visit the site in the first photo. Maybe because the memorial had a massive puddle instead of its modern fountains, right?
This outdoor theater in Bucharest, Romania, was once a gem and is now abandoned
For many people, online streaming services have come to replace certain cultural habits, like theater-going, that now seems dull and outdated. Except for the acclaimed Broadway shows in New York or The Globe theater in London, it could be argued that seeing a play is becoming an increasingly unpopular choice.
Comparing these two pictures of a Romanian outdoor theater helps prove our point. The place reserved for an excited audience in 1916 is now filled with fallen tree branches and dirt, and there's no sight of any performers on the empty stage. The 100-year gap between the pictures shows how fast cultural habits change.
This deserted building used to be a modern restaurant in 1960s Petropolis, Brazil
Here's another abandoned place that could do with a bit of refurbishment. If you've ever seen YouTubers visiting neglected locations searching for creepy ghost stories, this would be the perfect spot to add to their list. For the time being, you can look at the images from the comfort of your home.
There are many intriguing things about this former Brazilian restaurant. Why was it shaped in that odd, futuristic way? What type of food was served? Maybe this was a modern architectural design during the sixties. You'll have to imagine the reasons yourself, because the picture below, taken in 2013, is a reflection of the dining room's failure.
McSorley's Old Ale House in New York City has kept its traditional style for more than 80 years
New York City is also known as the city that never sleeps, and this is due to the large number of bars the metropolis has to offer. These spots attract young tourists and overworked locals alike. In a rapidly changing world, you can imagine this is one of those habits that will remain the same.
Another thing that won't change is this tiny bar called McSorley's Old Ale House. This traditional Irish pub has kept its allure for many years. It was founded in the 19th century, and it's impressive to know the picture below dates from 1937 and the one above from 2021. They even kept their original beer brewing equipment.
The timeless Grand Central Station in New York, from 1912 to today
Here's another building that's still standing as if time had stood still. Being one of the most-visited attractions in the city, the famous Grand Central Station receives more than 750,00 visitors per day. Though New Yorkers might be used to it, catching a train in this location must feel like you're in a movie scene.
Its architect, Rafael Guastavino, certainly did an incredible job, as these two photos look as if they were from the same year. If it weren't for the colored one below, you'd probably struggle to tell which one was taken first. The 1912 vs. 2021 gap between them almost goes unnoticed.
Only the surroundings of the iconic Empire State Building have changed since 1930
This skyscraper found at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street is undoubtedly the most famous building in New York. It was portrayed in Hollywood in 1933 when the fictional primate King Kong climbed it, and it appears on numerous keychains, postcards, and t-shirts.
Built in 1930, it has since become an icon of the Big Apple. The two pictures, the one on the right taken after it was built and the one on the left in 2021, show that the only novelty is the modern, tall buildings below the skyscraper that slowly replaced many small houses.
Buenos Aires, Argentina, didn't get rid of its 19th-century architectural foundations
The South American city of Buenos Aires was founded in the 19th century and has undergone a process of modernization that altered the looks of many neighborhoods. However, the original foundations of the city center were kept almost intact. Like many capital cities in the region, its style is an interesting mix of modernity and tradition.
These four frame shots of Buenos Aires demonstrate that modernity has escaped some of its street corners. Were you to visit the location without any indicators that give away the time period, such as the big yellow M indicating the fast-food chain, you'd be asking yourself what century you're in.
The houses on this street in Edinburgh, Scotland, look as if they were taken out of a medieval series
The Royal Mile is a Scottish avenue that connects Edinburgh Castle to the Holyrood Palace. It extends over 1,8 kilometers and is full of ancient houses that give the city a unique look. Most of these cities often have a construction height restriction to avoid tall buildings from ruining their charm.
Don't these houses look as if they were frozen in time? The picture on top is from 1847, whereas the one on the bottom is from 2021. Although the camera's quality isn't the best in the first photo, you can tell the government chose to preserve the houses' original style.
These photos of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Brazil taken in different centuries show the country's changing lifestyle
Colored photos weren't popular until the 1930s, when Kodak introduced Kodachrome film to the market. Still, some people have managed to take old black and white snapshots and color them. Not only does this make them look more realistic, but it also allows you to get a better understanding of how life was like in the past.
This person did an outstanding job coloring the 19th-century picture on top. By looking at it and comparing it with the bottom one, you'll notice that the farm with the horses carrying goods and people got replaced by a marketplace shaded by umbrellas. Luckily, the picturesque church has remained the same.
This wide oak tree in Thomasville, Georgia, hasn't stopped growing since 1895
Humans tend to interfere with the natural world. It's not uncommon for houses to be constructed in wetlands, and even forested lands are cleared for agricultural purposes. As you might have heard, this is part of a broader debate regarding the balance between economic growth and nature preservation.
But, no matter how many years go by, the Big Oak Tree found in Thomasville, Georgia, will probably continue to stand. The picture above dates from 1895, while the one below is from 2020. This tree, which has considerably expanded in size after 300 years, is considered a historical landmark in the state.
This ordinary green space covered an ancient Greek colosseum
If you want to check out intriguing objects of historical relevance, you'd probably visit a museum. There, you may find old-fashioned garments worn in a different decade or handmade figures created by indigenous populations. But have you ever thought about the fact that you could be standing over a historical relic?
Archaeologists in Greece discovered a colosseum underneath what seemed like a common green space. The two pictures illustrate that, though unaware of it, you might be surrounded by (or standing over) history. This is what makes archeology so special. There was an ancient theater under these scientists' feet where politics were probably discussed.
This family has been living in the same home for 100 years
Imagine living in the same house your grandparents formed a family in. Many objects would have a curious story of how or when they were bought, and you'd be able to connect with your roots only by looking around your home. Plus, you'd get to take your guests on a family tour when they come over.
The different generations of this family actually chose to remain in the house where their ancestors lived. The black and white photo dates from 1900, and the one below was taken in 2000. The comparison between these two pictures must be fascinating for the owners, who get to brag about their house's original story.
The fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany has been documented in these two pictures
Regardless of how you may feel about them, certain historical events have altered how our world works. Luckily, cameras were there to capture many of them. For this reason, pictures could be considered pieces of historical evidence. Comparing one against another is a way of telling the story of a country or city.
Between 1961 and 1989, a wall built in Berlin divided East Germany from its Western side. Citizens couldn't travel freely from one side to the other, and each part had its own cultural and political identity. The picture below shows the united country once the wall was demolished by its citizens.
This edited picture of the Met shows two different generations visiting the museum
Some activities never change, and one of them is going to the museum. You have probably visited one as a young kid during a school trip or with a family member. Aren't museums the perfect excuse to get away from your smartphone screen for a while?
This edited picture shows two different generations staring at the same painting at the Met Museum. The little girl who isn't that interested in the work of art probably reminds you of yourself at that age or some other child who was put in that same situation. Some things never change, right?
Milan's gothic cathedral was the perfect postcard picture in the 1950s
This next building was constructed in 1965 in Italy's top commercial city. Whether you've seen it with your own eyes or looked at it through pictures, it's easy to tell that Milan's most characteristic cathedral is impressive. But, before it was a go-to selfie spot for tourists, it had a classic look to it.
Wouldn't it be fun to travel back in time to ride next to the church in one of those vintage 1950s cars? However, the decision to turn the street into a pedestrian area probably allows more people to admire the details of the gothic cathedral's façade. And, of course, tourists can get the perfect souvenir picture.
Prague, Czech Republic's capital city, looks as wonderful now as it did in 1910
The Czech Republic's capital is one of the most popular destinations for young travelers who like backpacking around Europe. Rumor has it that this city promises fun nightlife activities at low-cost prices. But this shouldn't divert your attention from how beautiful Prague is, not only at nighttime but also during the day.
While the city's most iconic place is its long Charles Bridge, finished in 1402, this spot is equally gorgeous. The picture above, taken in 1910, also has unique lightning, making the people's shadows stand out. However, except for the number of people who visited the city in the 2020 photo, not much has changed.
This Van Gogh painting got its inspiration from a real-life French café that's still open
You might know Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh as the creator of the Starry Night oil-on-canvas, currently found at the MoMA museum. But that's not his only stunning painting. As it turns out, this next one didn't magically occur to him but was inspired by an actual spot in Arles, France.
The picture on the left shows the 1888 “Café Terrace at Night” painting, whereas the one on the right is a picture of people having their coffees and croissants at the same place in 2021. Even the lighting is almost identical to the one on the painting after all those years.
The incredible discovery of Machu Picchu in Peru, from 1915 to its current state
The contrast of the following “then and now” snaps is hard to ignore. If you've never heard about it, Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city located in the Peruvian mountains. It was built in the 15th century and was abandoned afterward. Scientists still ignore the exact purpose this place served.
You can only imagine the surprised look on archaeologists' faces when they came across this ancient city made of stone. Judging by the picture on top, the grass had accumulated on the city's surface and had concealed it. To uncover it completely must have taken a lot of curiosity and, above all, patience.
In California, Star Wars fans visited the place where their favorite movie was shot
The Star Wars franchise became one of the most-watched in movie history. Its total box office earnings amount to more than 10 billion dollars thanks to the saga's million fans around the globe. While its creators won 7 Academy Awards, its fans got many cool Halloween costume ideas to choose from.
These fans went to the Twenty Mule Team Canyon in Death Valley, California, to pay tribute to their favorite movie. In the film, the trail leads to Jabba's palace. It's impressive how the movie's director found the perfect surface to imitate space and how the fans managed to follow its trail to recreate the scene.
In Uelzen, Germany, someone has found the exact spot where a soldier fought during the Second World War
As you saw in previous “then and now” examples, contrasting two pictures can have educational purposes. Whether that's because things have changed or because they've remained just the way they were, photography has a lot to teach about history. Plus, for some people, it's a shorter and more entertaining path to knowledge than a long lesson.
This person took the time to compare the picture of a soldier resisting an attack in Town Square, Uelzen, with how the site looks now. Luckily, this photo tells the story of how this city found peace over time, as there are no signs of weapons or black smoke in the air.
This church in Cologne, Germany, was completely restored after WW2
Like in the previous set of pictures, this contrast also covers the topic of war. These kinds of tragedies alter the lives of the totality of the concerned countries' populations. Apart from the physical and psychological damage that war causes, it destroys thousands of public and private buildings and the memories inside them.
Though this person didn't place the current picture of the St. Martin Church in Cologne over the old one, the effect is practically the same. The photo on the left is from 1946, while the other one is from 2021. Fortunately, both the buildings surrounding the Church and the historical building itself have been restored.
The bombarded city of Hiroshima got rid of its ashes after 1945 and lifted a modern city
As you might know, the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed by the U.S military in 1945, resulting in the ending of WW2. The war's end came at a high price, with two destroyed cities and tens of thousands of dead citizens.
The comparison between these frames is extraordinary. You can imagine that this fantastic transition didn't occur overnight. However long it may have taken for the Japanese to rebuild their city, they managed to do so, giving a lesson of persistence. Now, it has a modern look with green spaces and looks like it's thriving.
He recreated a childhood photo in front of his house
If you've ever returned to a place you last visited during your childhood, everything probably looked smaller and less exciting. Children tend to be amazed at the most insignificant things. Maybe you've lost that sense of enthusiasm after growing up, but looking at old pictures might help you get it back.
This man felt a little nostalgic and held a picture of his younger self standing in his home garden, matching the columns and window lines perfectly. You can guess that the tuxedo doesn't fit anymore. Maybe he'll do the same with his children in the future, as this could turn into a fun family tradition.
The Court of the Lions in Granada, Spain, remains a monument of Islamic influence
For many centuries, the south of Spain was home to Islamic populations that left their mark on the architecture, food, and even the Spanish language. It is said that all the Spanish words starting with “al” trace their roots to the Arab tongue. But there's another type of legacy that you can actually visit.
The Court of the Lions is one of the rooms of the Alhambra palace in Granada. You can picture all the princes that walked its pathways just by looking at it. The image above is from 1840, and the bottom one was taken in 2021.
This 1798 lithograph of a temple in Thanjavur, India, looks exactly like its 2016 digital photo
Previous to the invention of the camera, people resorted to other methods to capture the beauty of a place. And these included not only written descriptions but also lithographs. The latter consists of a drawing printed on a stone using oil and water. Not as quick as pressing the shutter on your camera, right?
As you might have guessed, the lithograph is the one on top. Even though the quality isn't that great, it's still surprising for an 18th-century technique. By comparing the two pictures of the beautiful Brihadisvara Temple in India, you'll see the monument hasn't changed much, except for the cut-down palm trees.
This set of photographs documents Hong Kong's swift economic development
In the late 1970s, Hong Kong went through some profound changes that transformed the country's economy. The main factors for this push were an increase in investment and foreign trade. Of course, this affected the city's look. With this in mind, get ready for two radically different images of the same place.
Incredibly, these were taken 52 years apart. The one above is from 1964, and the one at the bottom is from 2016. The city's former green spaces don't even look like they could fit that many buildings. This contrast must have been especially interesting for the older generations, who witnessed the changes year by year.
Department store Sears sold “build your own home” kits that are still standing after a hundred years
If you believe assembling your own furniture is a modern trend, think again. A popular department store was already challenging its customers with these arduous tasks at the beginning of the 20th century. And it wasn't just a couch, library, or bedside table. Building those certainly takes time, but they can be put together by looking at the instructions in great detail.
The people at Sears took Ikea's idea to a whole new level. “Build your own home” kits were sold in their catalogs, and those brave enough to buy them took on the challenge. According to these two pictures, the house built in 1916 is still standing today, a hundred years later.
Drug lord Pablo Escobar's crashed plane in 1985 can still be found in the sea
Before D.E.A officials found him, Pablo Escobar was one of the world's most terrible criminals. It is claimed that he spent about $2,500 only on rubber bands to organize the money he earned by drug trafficking. Besides this (not so) fun fact, he was responsible for the death of numerous innocent Colombian citizens.
These pictures prove that the traces of his criminal activities remain in plain sight. In Bahama's Norman Cay lies one of his transport planes, which crashed in 1985. The bottom picture shows the effect of saltwater on the Curtiss C-46 Commando. Like his owner's criminal slyness, it was eroded over time.
This national park visited by Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 is a natural treasure
People that live close to national parks may take them for granted, but they should know how lucky they are. Not everyone can enjoy a workout session in the open air or take a light stroll surrounded by nature. These areas need to be protected so people can continue to benefit from them.
Take a look at these pictures of a U.S national park. The one on top is from the early 20th century and features a serious Theodore Roosevelt, who was the president of his nation at the time. During his administration, he protected 220 natural reserves. He did a great job because that park still looks wonderful today.
The Arch of Constantine in Rome, Italy, has been transformed into a walkway after the 1940s
Rome is one of the most touristic places in the world. Many movies have been shot there that recreated ancient life in Italy's capital, like Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix's Gladiator in 2000. The legacy of its ancient history is still present in the capital, leading people to refer to Rome as a city museum.
The Arch of Constantine looks like it's been there forever, and it will probably resist the passing of time. Located close to the beautiful Colosseum, it draws millions of tourists from around the world. Like Milan's gothic cathedral, the Arch's surrounding streets have disappeared for people to appreciate it more closely.
The owners of this Detroit house have restored it to preserve its Victorian-era style
Though you might think Victorian architecture hasn't traveled past its English borders, this detail-oriented construction style can be found almost everywhere. The name refers to the reign of Queen Victoria, who ruled England over much of the 19th century. As you're about to see, her influence has even reached the U.S.
This Detroit home clearly shows the characteristic Victorian brick façades and steeply pitched roofs. The picture on top is from 1993 when it was beginning to crumble. The one at the bottom is from 2021 after it was restored. Wouldn't it be cool to live in that neighborhood and walk past that traditional building?
Society portraitist George Hick lived in this modest home from 1611 to 1624
Were you to find yourself in Los Angeles, you should book a tour to see the mansions of your favorite Hollywood stars. However, there are other places where talented artists lived that don't get that sort of recognition. You might even have a former artist's house on your block and not know it.
This discrete English house belonged to painter and society portraitist George Hick. He lived there back in 1611, and after his death, a plaque was placed next to the archway in his honor. You can see it below the stone arch in the bottom picture from 2021.
This house in Omaha, Nebraska, proudly rocks its original 1890 style
As you saw earlier with that home in Detroit, here's another family that resists a modern refurbishment being done to their house. Whether their neighbors are into it or not, they can't argue with the fact that the house blocks which combine a mixture of modern and traditional buildings are more interesting than monotonous-looking streets.
This comparison demonstrates how the owners found beauty in tradition. There are probably hundreds of anecdotes that took place in this three-story home. While some people are constantly looking to get on board with the latest fashion and technological trends, here they are, with their red bricks and 130-year-old front porch.
The English city of York has kept its ancient entrance
Some buildings make us travel in time just by staring at them. It's wild to think many were created to serve a specific purpose that is no longer relevant. For instance, city entrances used to be the only way to access a place.
Entrances had to be very solid to resist potential attacks. They, too, had to be tall for guards to see who was approaching the city. Right now, you can get to a place by different access points, but it's nice to see how York kept this historic building.