#USA #Denver #South Park #Trey Parker #Matt Stone

From Construction Paper to Cultural Icon: South Park Exhibition

The Colorado History Museum is set to unveil a groundbreaking exhibition titled "South Park Handmade in Colorado" on December 6, 2026. This display will explore the intriguing history of South Park, shedding light on its origins and the enduring legacy it has fostered over the years.

With the show commemorating the series' upcoming 30th anniversary in August 2027, it pays tribute to creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Their journey began as students at the University of Colorado Boulder, where they started crafting films influenced by their surroundings. Through their career, they've developed a distinctive style of humor and storytelling that has taken them from Colorado to Hollywood and Broadway, ultimately returning to their roots at iconic venues like Red Rocks and Casa Bonita.

Currently, South Park, aired by Comedy Central, reaches more than 130 countries and boasts six Primetime Emmy Awards along with a Peabody Award. The series, comprising nearly 350 episodes, serves as a time capsule reflecting a myriad of themes and occurrences that have shaped popular culture and current events for three decades.

To create the South Park Handmade in Colorado exhibition, the museum collaborated with South Park Digital Studios, gaining exclusive access to the studio's extensive archives. Featuring firsthand accounts and previously unseen items, the exhibit digs deep into the inspirations and creative projects of Parker and Stone. The journey covers a variety of topics, from the show itself to The Book of Mormon, Team America World Police, performances at Red Rocks, and the restoration of Casa Bonita.

Exhibition Highlights

Among the planned highlights of the exhibition are:

• - Original construction paper cutouts used to produce the pilot episode of South Park.
• - Concept art, scripts, and original materials that played a part in creating the television series.
• - The screenplay, series bible, world premiere tickets, and paper cutouts from South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut.
• - Puppets from Team America: World Police.
• - Costumes worn by Parker and Stone at the 2000 Oscars.
• - Art, costumes, and props from the 25th-anniversary concerts of South Park at Red Rocks.
• - Props and costumes from The Book of Mormon.
• - Vintage merchandise items.
• - Photogenic displays for visitors.

South Park Handmade in Colorado opens on December 6, 2026, at the award-winning Colorado History Museum. General admission includes access to the exhibition and can be purchased in advance online. Visitors must reserve a specific entry time to visit the show. Members of History Colorado and children under 18 can enter for free. History Colorado members are invited to an exclusive preview on December 5, 2026. The Colorado History Museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

About South Park

The wildly successful animated franchise, preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, first aired on Comedy Central on August 13, 1997. Characters Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny originated in the animated short The Spirit of Christmas, making a significant mark in television history. Three decades after its debut, the series retains its acclaim, having won the Primetime Emmy for 'Outstanding Animated Program' six times and received a total of 20 nominations. In 2026, South Park was honored at the Television Academy Honors, marking a historic first for an animated work; it also became the inaugural animated series nominated in the 'Best Episodic Comedy' category at the Producers Guild of America awards. Further accolades have come from the American Film Institute (AFI), the Peabody Awards, and the Critics' Choice Association.

Additionally, South Park ranked as the top cable show in 2025 for viewers aged 18 to 49; the return of Season 27 achieved the highest average viewership in that demographic in 27 years, making it the most viewed season in the last six years. Co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone serve as executive producers alongside Anne Garefino and Frank C. Agnone II. Producers include Eric Stough, Adrien Beard, Bruce Howell, and Vernon Chatman. Christopher Brion is the creative director at South Park Digital Studios.

For more information, visit SouthPark.cc.com.

About the Colorado History Museum

Formerly known as History Colorado Center, the Colorado History Museum is a cutting-edge cultural space located in the heart of Denver. It hosts award-winning exhibits that showcase the diverse cultural heritage of the Centennial State. As one of only seven institutions affiliated with the Smithsonian in Colorado, the museum's significance within the cultural landscape cannot be overstated.

About History Colorado

Founded 147 years ago, History Colorado offers access to the state’s history through enriching experiences across eleven museums and historical sites. It is a state agency and a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the residents of Colorado by centering communities and enhancing knowledge while leveraging the transformative power of history. History Colorado also manages a public access research center and undertakes community-driven public history projects.

To find out more, visit HistoryColorado.org or call 303-HISTORY for more information.