Nine American Airports for Art Lovers

Host to Art Basel, The Magic City is no stranger to the art scene, and Miami International Airport certainly reflects its locale’s cultural aesthetic. Stroll through an immersive rainbow of light in Christopher Janney’s "Harmonic Convergence," explore “Meltdown,” a new, permanent mural by local artist Jen Star, and check out the rotating series of exhibits, including photographer Bruce Mozert's black-and-white underwater prints near gate D-31.

Notorious for its less-than-stellar flight-delay record, the world’s busiest airport keeps captive travelers occupied with its extensive collection of public art. Stop by Terminal 1, Concourse B for a skeleton model of a Brachiosaurus, a nod to the city’s famous Field Museum; catch a glimpse of Michael Hayden's “Sky's the Limit” (pictured here) racing to meet a connection; or peek out the window just beyond security to see Guy Kemper’s soothing work, Jet Trails. 

A somewhat unexpected addition to this list, New York’s LaGuardia is often criticized for it’s lackluster aesthetic. However, Terminal A of the airport hosts “Flight,” a Works Progress Administration-assigned mural created during the Great Depression by artist James Brooks. The 237-foot long work was restored in 1980, and currently hangs in the ticketing hall.

Housing a controversial collection of public works, Denver International is the subject of an art-related conspiracy theory. With striking, somewhat fear-inducing works like the large apocalyptic mural “The Children of the World Dream of Peace” and “Blue Mustang,” (pictured here) a statue that literally killed its creator, Luis Jiménez, when a piece fell, severing his artery, it’s not hard to see why the allegations exist. However, later this year, three new commissions will be revealed with the opening of the airport’s Hotel and Transit Center that may change the airport’s reputation. The pieces “have aspects that reflect the region,” said CEO Kim Day. And they will add “a bit of joy and serenity to the traveling experience.” Here’s hoping.

Fortunately for travelers connecting through northern California, Sacramento law recommends that for every county construction project, 2% of the funds be used for public art. At the airport, that translates into 18 playful works, each designed to “infuse your journey with culture before you ever leave the ground.” Even if you drove into town, the airport's worth a trip. Many of the pieces, including Lawrence Argent’s massive “Leap,” (pictured here) are located before security, so you can pop in and take a look, sans-ticket.

When flying through DFW, keep fingers crossed for a flight that connects through Terminal D, home to the airport’s extensive public art program. Colorful, terrazzo medallions designed by local, national, and international artists cover the floors, while sculptures like Dennis Oppenhein's "Crystal Mountain" (pictured here) and Christopher Janney's interactive work, "Circling" will delight both seasoned road warriors and traveling tots. If your itinerary requires a few hours in the airport, step outside to the sculpture garden; it’ll help restore your sanity. 

Chicago’s cultural experience begins long before you hit the streets of downtown. Works like “Rara Avis” by Ralph Helmick and Stuart Schecter (pictured here) and “The Body of Lake Michigan,” an expansive suspended sculpture located just beyond the security checkpoint, are highlights of the airport’s permanent art collection, but history buffs might prefer the Battle of Midway Memorial, which features photos, narratives, and video honoring the World War II veterans, in addition to a recovered SBD Dauntless Dive-Bomber.

In addition to numerous permanent pieces including Jim Campbell’s “The Journey” (pictured here), and rotating exhibitions like Cat Chiu Philips's current series of mixed-media works, photographer Lee Sie’s cityscapes, and John Linthurst’s digital collages, San Diego International offers its guests regular performance works. If you happen to be in-terminal on the third Thursday of the month, your boarding pass plays double duty as a ticket to the airport’s complimentary concert series.

In 1969, the Port of Seattle Commission prudently voted to set aside $300,000 for permanent works in the airport, a commitment to public art that continues today with regular investments and rotating exhibitions. Over 50 contemporary works (including Ralph Helmick and Stuart Schechter's "Landing," pictured here) are scattered throughout Sea-Tac's multiple concourses, ticketing areas, and baggage claim, ensuring all travelers get a dose of culture during their layover.

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