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Airports are increasingly integrating art into their terminals, creating a more welcoming and human space for travellers. Art in airports can serve multiple purposes, from comforting and entertaining anxious travellers to showcasing local talent and providing a sense of place. It can be a source of pride for employees and a way to navigate the often-daunting airport space. With their vast atriums and endless corridors, airports provide the perfect venue for art installations, and many now dedicate permanent spaces to exhibits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Art can comfort, distract, and entertain anxious travelers | Art can help passengers deal with the stress of air travel and entertain jetlagged and exhausted parents and their irritable kids |
| Art can help create a sense of place | Airports can showcase local art and artists, giving travelers a taste of the local culture and community |
| Art can aid navigation | Art installations can help guide travelers to their gates and other airport facilities |
| Art can engage travelers | Art gives travelers something to engage with and share on social media |
| Art can instill pride | Art can instill pride and ownership in airport employees |
| Art can attract visitors | Art exhibitions and installations can attract non-ticketed visitors on guided tours |
| Art can showcase history | Art can tell the story of a place, its people, and its history |
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What You'll Learn
Art can comfort, distract and entertain anxious travellers
Art can make a large, busy space feel more human. It can evoke emotions and provide a sense of place. Airports that display local art give travellers a taste of the culture of the community outside. Local artists serve as cultural ambassadors, reflecting the unique culture of a place. For example, at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the art program brings Atlanta inside the airport, with a permanent exhibit depicting the history of Atlanta, from its first settlement by native people to the present day.
Art can also help travellers navigate the airport. A piece of art called The Journey at San Diego International Airport helps guide travellers to their gates or to find somewhere to eat. Art can also help travellers find their way around unfamiliar cities. For example, Denver International Airport offers a walking tour for non-ticketed passengers, featuring its permanent and temporary art exhibits.
Art in airports can also provide an opportunity for travellers to learn about the culture of the community they are visiting. Art exhibitions give local artists a platform and help them reach a wider audience. Airports also collaborate with local cultural institutions like museums, providing funds and resources for these institutions.
Art can also give travellers something meaningful to do during layovers or while waiting for their flight. It can provide an enjoyable way to spend time and learn about the culture of a community.
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It can showcase local talent and culture
Art in airports can serve multiple purposes, one of which is to showcase local talent and culture. Airports are often a visitor's first experience of a new place, and art can act as a welcome and farewell to the community. Local artists serve as cultural ambassadors, reflecting the unique culture of their region. For example, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport uses art to tell the story of Atlanta, from its early history to the present day. Similarly, Ralph Helmick's installations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport feature metal casts of local wildlife, such as salmon and waterfowl.
Art can also provide a sense of place and make a large, chaotic space feel more human. It can evoke emotions and provide a welcome distraction for anxious or delayed travelers. For instance, art exhibitions can give travelers a chance to learn about the culture of the community outside the airport. Airports often collaborate with local cultural institutions, such as museums, to achieve this. Local institutions benefit from increased funding and resources, while airports gain expertise from community art organizations.
In addition to benefiting travelers, art in airports can instill pride and ownership in employees. For example, San Diego International Airport considers it a success when employees engage with their art program by noticing new exhibitions or asking about changes. Airports with extensive art programs, such as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, often have rotating exhibitions, performances, and artist programming, providing a diverse range of experiences for both travelers and employees.
Furthermore, art in airports can enhance their reputation and attract visitors. Denver International Airport, for instance, is well-known for its public art and offers walking tours for non-ticketed passengers to showcase its permanent and temporary exhibits. Heathrow Airport's T5 Gallery in London also attracts passengers looking to purchase art while waiting for their flights, exhibiting works from both established and up-and-coming artists. By showcasing local talent, airports can contribute to the cultural landscape of their communities and offer a taste of what lies beyond the arrivals hall.
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Art can give travellers a sense of direction
Art can be a powerful tool to give travellers a sense of direction in airports, which can often be vast and confusing spaces. By placing artwork in strategic locations, airports can provide wayfinding cues that help travellers navigate their way through the terminal.
For example, a piece of art at the San Diego International Airport, titled "The Journey," serves as a helpful guide for travellers exiting the security checkpoint. As they wonder how to find their gate or where to get something to eat, "The Journey" is positioned to intuitively point them in the right direction. This not only aids in wayfinding but also enhances the overall traveller experience by reducing stress and providing a sense of comfort.
Art can also act as a landmark or meeting point for travellers. A striking sculpture or painting can serve as a visual reference point, making it easier for people to orient themselves within the airport and find their way to their desired destinations. Additionally, art installations along corridors and walkways can create a sense of progression and forward movement, encouraging travellers to keep moving towards their gates.
In addition to providing directional guidance, art in airports can offer a sense of discovery and exploration. Airports can curate art exhibits or galleries that travellers can explore, providing a welcome distraction from the monotony of travel. This sense of discovery can extend beyond the airport walls, with local artists showcasing the unique culture and flavour of the surrounding community. By exhibiting local art, airports give travellers a taste of the destination, even if they are just passing through.
Furthermore, art in airports can foster a sense of community and belonging. By featuring artworks that reflect the local culture and history, airports can create a sense of pride and ownership among travellers and employees. This sense of community can extend to social media, where travellers often share their experiences and photos of the artwork they encounter. Art in airports not only gives travellers a sense of direction but also transforms these busy transit hubs into cultural spaces that educate, inspire, and foster a sense of exploration.
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It can provide an opportunity for airports to collaborate with local cultural institutions
Art in airports can serve as a welcome and farewell to the community that the airport resides in. Airports that exhibit local art give travellers a taste of the culture outside the airport. Local artists act as cultural ambassadors, reflecting the unique culture of a place. Airports can collaborate with local cultural institutions, such as museums, to benefit both parties. Airports can gain expertise from community art organizations, while local institutions receive funding and resources from the airports.
For instance, Rhode Island's T.F. Greene and Block Island airports solicit artwork from local artists every year. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has also expanded the scope of rotating exhibitions, including major installations in the Transportation Mall and large artworks for the Maynard Holbrook Jackson International Terminal.
Art in airports can also provide meaningful things for passengers to do when they have layovers or arrive early. Art exhibitions can give travellers a welcome distraction and entertainment. They can also help jetlagged parents entertain their children. Art can evoke emotions and provide a sense of calm in an otherwise hectic space.
Art can also act as a helpful guide for travellers. For example, an art piece at the San Diego International Airport called "The Journey" helps guide travellers to their gates or to find food options. Art can also give travellers something to share and post on social media.
Furthermore, art in airports can instill pride and ownership in employees. Airports are increasingly turning to collection management systems to promote and preserve their art investments.
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Art can give travellers something meaningful to do during layovers
Art in airports serves multiple purposes, from comforting anxious travellers to promoting local artists and cultural institutions. One of the most significant advantages of displaying art in airports is that it gives travellers something meaningful to do during layovers.
Airports are often hectic and chaotic, with endless lines and terminals filled with passengers rushing to their gates. Layovers can be tedious and stressful, especially when facing delays or navigating complex airport layouts. Art installations and exhibitions provide a welcome distraction, offering travellers a chance to unwind and engage in something enjoyable and enriching.
Many airports have recognised the benefits of art in enhancing the airport experience. For example, the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport boasts over 1,000 artworks, including rotating exhibitions, youth art galleries, and permanent tributes to civil rights icons. Their art program aims to bring Atlanta's culture and history inside the airport, providing travellers with an opportunity to explore the city without leaving the terminal.
Denver International Airport is another renowned example, featuring lauded public art such as the 32-foot-tall Blue Mustang sculpture and paintings by muralist Leo Tanguma. Heathrow Airport in London also stands out with its T5 Gallery, offering a full-fledged commercial art space showcasing established and emerging artists.
Art not only entertains travellers but also helps them navigate the airport. For instance, "The Journey" installation at San Diego International Airport serves as a helpful guide for passengers searching for their gates or seeking dining options. Art can act as a wayfinding tool, enhancing the overall airport experience and making the space more human and intuitive.
By integrating art into their design, airports create a sense of place and provide travellers with a meaningful way to spend their time during layovers, potentially learning about the local culture and community.
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Frequently asked questions
Art in airports can help comfort, distract, and entertain anxious travellers. It can provide a welcome distraction for those facing delays or endless security lines.
Art helps travellers navigate the maze of an airport. It can evoke emotions and provide a sense of calm in an otherwise hectic space.
Art has the power to instil pride and ownership in one's place of work. It can also help promote and preserve an airport's investments.
Airports display a variety of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, mobiles, and mixed-media installations. Some airports also host performances and artist residencies.
