Art is taking off in all kinds of ways in the arenas of airports, big and small. The Wise Traveller takes a closer look at some of the airports that are making the biggest statements to engage the public and elevate their experience.
John F Kennedy International
Fast forward to 2026, and you find yourself parked up at John F. Kennedy International Airport, then be prepared to be assailed by some of the most modern artworks in aviation.
You will be able to see large-scale glass mosaic floor artworks and dangling sculptures as the new Terminal 6, a new $4.2 billion wing of JFK Airport, is opened for business. The works of 18 artists will be adorning the 1.2-million sq ft terminal.
It is more than likely that the art will also be embraced within the architecture of the building, as the designers have quoted dance as one of the building’s key inspirations. Terminal 6 is set to house the largest number of major works of any New York airport.
Changi Airport, Terminal 2
Ever the foremost airport to be seen in, Singapore’s Changi Airport is a cut above when it comes to art scapes. Moment Factory in collaboration with design studio BOIFFILS created two signature multimedia installations aimed at bringing the Garden City’s natural beauty into Changi Airport’s newly renovated Terminal 2.
The Wonderwall is described as a breathtaking four-story digital waterfall nestled between vertical gardens, which utilises a curved LED screen that showcases a mesmerising cascade of water and rock formations.
Situated between two thriving vertical gardens, this impressive 14-metre tall and 17-metre wide LED wall spans the height of Terminal 2’s Departure Hall. Creating this colossal LED wall required 892 individual tiles, seamlessly joined into three large and flat segments. The curved LED screen also guarantees you a good view from any spot.
As you enter Terminal 2’s transit area, be prepared to be amazed by Dreamscape. Located at the previous Orchid Garden, the space has been transformed into an immersive garden elevated over a pond under a limitless digital sky.
Like a skylight, this digital sky opens an overhead window to the real world. Through integration with Changi Airport’s weather system, it mimics daylight and weather conditions in real time!
From sunrise to a star-filled sky, it’s a great place for you to wind down and take a few moments to yourself before catching your flight.
Look out for the special surprises in the sky, such as passing planes, birds, or even a hot air balloon. Every now and then, the regular forecast switches to a thunderstorm, and the skylight turns into an underwater portal where fish, otters, and even a Sampan boat float by.
Embedded within the greenery, an ever-evolving soundscape draws from nearly 100 recordings of local wildlife, to create an immersive nature experience.
“Our third collaboration with Changi Airport Group allowed us to push the envelope, both creatively and technically,” says Fady Atallah, creative director at Moment Factory. “With these installations, travellers will get to immerse themselves in Singapore’s nature with two unique experiences in their journey.”
Salt Lake City International
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is one such airport that is firmly committed to art. It has spent over $40 million on artwork that includes The Canyon that runs through the Main Plaza in its new terminal, and ‘The Peaks’, a monumental sculpture designed to reflect the nearby Wasatch Mountains and pay tribute to Utah’s five Native American tribes.
At the recent SMART Airports & Regions Conference and Exhibition in Denver, SLC’s director of communication and marketing, Nancy Volmer, said: “Among the top 10 things people wanted to see from our new airport was that it reflected the beauty of Utah.”
Other art installations include ‘Whimsy Wall’ artworks that will eventually be present in all 24 restrooms, ‘The River Tunnel’ – an immersive sound and light experience located in a 1,000ft long underwater tunnel connecting concourses A and B – and ‘Near Distance’ next to the TSA checkpoint which includes some salt from Utah’s famed salt lakes.
Des Moines Airport, Iowa
Plans are afoot in a collaboration between Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation and the Des Moines Airport to select artists to create five large-scale art installations throughout the new airport terminal which is scheduled to open in 2026.
International artists, including Adam Frank, Alteronce Gumby, Gordon Huether and Anne Lindberg, have been chosen for four interior sites throughout the terminal.
Delhi International, India
The August 2024 opening of Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 1 will not only ease congestion on Terminals 2 and 3, it will provide passengers the opportunity to showcase artwork that celebrates India’s culture.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist and PR writer. He writes about travel, aviation, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Telegraph, Hurriyet Daily News and other newspapers worldwide.
