Time’s Transformations: Before-and-After Shots of Iconic Locations Throughout History
Chernobyl – 1964 Vs. 2011
Step into the eerie world of Chernobyl as we compare 1964 to 2011. In ’86, that infamous nuclear explosion turned this place into a ghost town faster than you can say “evacuate.” The radiation scattered far and wide, forcing folks out of their homes and into the exclusion zone, including Pripyat City.
Once buzzing with life, spots like Lazurny, a swanky pool next to a school, now sit abandoned, frozen in time. It’s like a real-life horror movie set, and trust us, you won’t be able to look away from these haunting images of a place lost to history.
Los Angeles – 1901 Vs. 2001
In 1901, Los Angeles was just a few dots of buildings on a vast canvas, barely hinting at the sprawling city it would become by 2001. This side-by-side snapshot shows a transformation from a sleepy settlement to a dense jungle of skyscrapers.
It’s a city that’s risen to meet the clouds, even as it’s wrestled with a shroud of smog since the 1940s. Yet, amidst this fog, L.A.’s spirit is clear—ambitious, sprawling, and as unstoppable as its growth, spurred on by-laws aiming to bring back its blue skies.
Flatiron Building – 1917 Vs. 2012
The Flatiron Building has stood tall since 1917, its unique triangle shape still slicing through the city’s skyline even in that 2012 snapshot. At 307 feet, this iconic 22-story landmark was an architectural marvel built in 1902, turning heads with its peculiar design and stirring concerns about its stability.
But it’s not just standing; it’s thriving as a proud New York staple and a beacon for tourists. In these photos, the city around it has stretched upward. Yet, the Flatiron remains delightfully unchanged, continuing to charm onlookers and neighbors alike.
Dubai – 1985 Vs. 2016
Starting modestly back in 1833, Dubai has since catapulted into the future with a skyline that tells a story of astonishing urban evolution. The split photo of Dubai from 1985 vs. 2016 captures this transformation vividly. In 1985, the cityscape had barely begun to rise, with the UAE’s first skyscraper, the Dubai World Trade Centre, standing alone for some time since its completion in 1979.
Fast forward to 2016, and over 200 skyscrapers pierce the sky, including the iconic Burj Khalifa. Not to mention the Palm Jumeirah, a colossal artificial island so vast it’s visible from space, epitomizing Dubai’s boundless ambition.
Prague – 1910 Vs. 2020
Behold the journey of Prague through time in a captivating split photo comparison between 1910 and 2020. The storied Nerudova Street, once trodden by horse-drawn carriages and named Ostruhová, has aged gracefully into a bustling thoroughfare lined with vibrant facades and lively tourists.
Founded by Přemysl Otakar II in 1267, the street honors the literary giant Jan Neruda, offering a walk past his abode, “At the Two Suns.” This charming historical avenue encapsulates Prague’s spirit, weaving together centuries of stories within its cobblestones.
Lombard Street, San Francisco – 1922 Vs. 2018
Lombard Street in 1922 was just another steep hill in San Francisco. By 2018, it was the famous crooked road with eight hairpin turns that tourists dared to drive. It got its makeover when residents worried about the dangerous slope for walkers, opting for a snaking solution.
Now, it’s not just a road but a landmark, blooming with flowers and buzzing with cameras. This split photo shows just how much a city can innovate for safety—and fun! The home of the Golden Gate Bridge has a knack for turning the practical into the picturesque.
Tokyo – 1945 Vs. 2016
Tokyo’s transformation from the sparse remnants of 1945 to the dizzying metropolis of 2016 is nothing short of miraculous. Once Edo, now home to over 37 million people, this city in the Kantō region has risen as a phoenix, proudly wearing the badge of Japan’s development. These before-and-after shots are a testament to the city’s relentless drive.
Home to the famously hectic Shibuya Crossing, where five crosswalks tangle and untangle with precision, Tokyo’s transformation is a true marvel of urban resurrection. Zoom in, and you’ll witness a city reborn, its story told in layers of steel, glass, and spirited hustle.
University of Montana – 1860s Vs. 2018
Return to the 1860s when the University of Montana’s campus in Missoula was just a whisper of what it would become by 2018. While the buildings may have changed, the picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and distinct striations remains timeless.
Once frequented by indigenous camps, this land holds secrets of a bygone era—like the strandlines etched into the hillside, remnants of a prehistoric lake. Today, the University of Montana stands as a beacon of education in the heart of Big Sky Country, blending history with innovation against a backdrop as breathtaking as its past.
Rio De Janeiro – 1880 Vs. 2020
This is Rio de Janeiro back in 1880 to the hustle and bustle of 2020. Back then, there were fewer buildings and cars around. But you know what didn’t change? That massive Christ the Redeemer statue chilling at the top of Mount Corcovado.
Some things never go out of style, no matter how much the world around them changes. The colossal sculpture, which stands 98 feet tall, is the face of Brazil. Engineer Heitor da Silva Costa dreamed up this masterpiece in 1926.
Lincoln Memorial – 1922 Vs. 2016
Let’s do some time traveling from the Lincoln Memorial in 1922 to 2016. This place isn’t just a pile of rocks; it’s like the OG Instagram spot of America. Built to honor our boy Abe Lincoln, aka the face on your $5 bill, this monument has been drawing crowds for ages.
Back in the day, it was surrounded by a sea of grass, not the fancy waterworks you see now. Oh, and those walls? They’re low-key tilting inward, but don’t tell the tourists! It’s all part of the charm, right?
Mount Rushmore – 1922 Vs. 2018
From a towering granite peak in 1922 to the sculpted faces of Mount Rushmore in 2018, this spot in the Black Hills tells an American tale of ambition and artistry.
Carved into the mountain are the faces of four iconic United States presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Theodore Roosevelt. It wasn’t a quick job; the monument, named after admirer Charles E. Rushmore, took shape under the chisels of Gutzon Borglum, who revised his grand vision nine times.
Mayan Temple of Kukulcán – 1892 Vs. 2020
Behold the Temple of Kukulcán at Chichen Itza, hidden beneath a veil of jungle in 1892, now standing proud and clear in 2020. This Mayan marvel, once shrouded in shrubs, has been revealed in all its glory—a testament to the ingenuity of ancient architects.
Towering nearly 100 feet, this pyramid-like structure, believed to have been built in the 400s A.D., has journeyed from an overgrown secret to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Big Oak in Thomasville Georgia – 1895 Vs. 2020
Check out this Big Oak tree in Thomasville, Georgia, taking us on a trip from 1895 to 2020. This tree’s been around for over 300 years, and it’s still throwing shade—literally. Being a Live Oak ain’t easy, though; those branches are all over the place, sagging and breaking like nobody’s business.
Being at an intersection ain’t doing it any favors, either. Drivers have straight-up crashed into it! But you know what? This tree’s a survivor, man. It’s seen it all and still standing tall. Now, that’s what we call resilience!
Chernobyl – 1964 Vs. 2011
Step into the eerie world of Chernobyl as we compare 1964 to 2011. In ’86, that infamous nuclear explosion turned this place into a ghost town faster than you can say “evacuate.” The radiation scattered far and wide, forcing folks out of their homes and into the exclusion zone, including Pripyat City.
Once buzzing with life, spots like Lazurny, a swanky pool next to a school, now sit abandoned, frozen in time. It’s like a real-life horror movie set, and trust us, you won’t be able to look away from these haunting images of a place lost to history.
San Diego – 1927 Vs. 2020
As seen in these revealing images, San Diego, once a haven of open spaces, now pulses with sprawling neighborhoods. But in the middle of the urban sprawl, one steadfast structure remains: the iconic Spanish mission, a timeless reminder of the city’s rich history.
San Diego’s allure extends beyond its sandy shores; it’s also home to a beloved colony of harbor seals at La Jolla’s Children’s Pool Beach. Since the 1990s, these playful creatures have made this spot their home, delighting visitors with their presence.
Hollywood Sign – 1920s Vs. 2020
You’ve seen it in countless TV shows and movies—the iconic Hollywood Sign perched atop Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills. But do you know of its humble beginnings?
Originally reading “Hollywoodland” in the 1920s as an advertisement for a housing development, it dropped the “Land” by the 1940s when the developers gifted it to the city. Over the years, the sign faced wear and tear until a much-needed makeover, spearheaded by none other than Hugh Hefner, helped restore its glory.
New York Harbor – 1937 Vs. 2017
Ever wonder what lies beyond New York City’s iconic skyline? Step into New York Harbor, where the past merges with the present in a breathtaking panorama. Amidst the city’s clamor, find solace in the calm waters, a haven for recreational fishing enthusiasts chasing bluefish and striped bass.
Yet, beneath the surface lurks a tale of challenges; pollution from shipping activities threatens the harbor’s health. Nonetheless, a glimmer of hope emerges—the Lower New York Bay boasts the highest water quality, proving its ongoing conservation efforts.
National Parks – 1903 Vs. 2018
Vast, breathtaking national parks, majestic mountain ranges, and serene forests are all treasures that many worldwide long for. Yet, those fortunate enough to grow up amidst such splendor may not fully grasp their significance. Enter Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th U.S. president, who recognized the irreplaceable value of preserving these natural wonders.
His legacy? Over 220 national reserves safeguarding America’s pristine landscapes. Thanks to his foresight, more than 230 million acres of public land remain untarnished, ensuring these treasures endure for generations to come.
Pablo Escobar’s Plane in Salt Water – 1985 Vs. 2020
Prepare to be amazed by the passage of time—or lack thereof! In these before-and-after shots, you’ll be scratching your head at how little has changed since Pablo Escobar’s smuggling plane went down in 1985.
Fast forward to 2020, and there it still lies—the Curtiss C-46 Commando, resting peacefully near Norman’s Cay in the Bahamas. But here’s the kicker: the saltwater it’s submerged in isn’t doing it any favors. See, water with dissolved salt is like a one-way ticket to corrosion town for metals, speeding up the decay process.
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