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Albuquerque International Sunport is renowned for its blend of New Mexican architecture with a prolific local art collection. Artwork can be found throughout the main terminal all the way to the rental car center with various mediums spanning marble to steel sculptures, aluminum alupanel, and lithographs. Plus, their interactive website makes it easy to find the artwork by location and artist, so you don’t have to spend too much time seeking it out if you’re late for a flight.

The public art collection at Chicago O'Hare International Airport was only introduced in 2023, but it’s already accumulated more than 20 installations from Chicago artists to become the city’s largest single acquisition of works by local artists in the last 30 years. The collection ranges from a large-scale, mixed media collage in the arrivals corridor to a 40-foot steel sculpture on the south embankment.

While there are a number of sculptures, murals, and installations that are permanent fixtures at Denver International Airport, it’s the rotating exhibitions found throughout the terminal and concourses that really delight, giving frequent travelers a new welcome to the airport each time. In fact, the airport is internationally recognized for this rotating public art collection that emphasizes Colorado-inspired motifs.

An active part of Broward County’s award-winning Public Art & Design Program since 1976, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport now features 65 artworks throughout its terminals. The collection showcases local, national, and international talent that’s all-encompassing — whether travelers are looking down at terrazzo floors or following their gaze to catch the light and sound artworks.

There are nearly 450 permanent works on display as part of George Bush Intercontinental Airport’s civic art collection by local, national, and international artists. The collection also includes at least 12 rotating exhibitions each year in collaboration with the likes of NASA or the Houston Botanic Garden. 

ATL hosts over 1,000 works from under-the-radar and renowned artists to comprise one of the largest public art sites in the Southeastern U.S. Though you won’t be deprived of art regardless of where you are in the airport, the Atrium Gallery and Concourse E tend to host the most rotating exhibits.

At Indianapolis International Airport, there are 18 works of art in the permanent collection alongside a temporary art program, spread throughout the public and post-security areas. The artwork was commissioned by the Indianapolis Airport Authority as part of the early stages of its 30-year master planning initiative. Additionally, there’s a dedicated gallery space called the KIND Gallery in Concourse A that features local cultural organizations and exhibitions.

As part of LaGuardia’s recent glow-up, the airport partnered with Public Art Fund to create site-specific works of art to inspire creativity in travelers passing through Terminal B. It’s a concise collection of four pieces, one each by Jeppe Hein, Sabine Hornig, Laura Owens, and Sarah Sze, who all used their NYC experiences to create the most meaningful work for the space.

There are site-specific artworks throughout Miami International Airport (MIA) in the North, Central, and South terminals, thanks to MIA Galleries. The mission is to “humanize and enrich the airport setting,” which they do through contemporary artwork with cultural and environmental themes reflecting the South Florida locale. The airport artwork is a part of the greater collection of 1,000 works commissioned by Miami-Dade Art in Public Places since its inception in 1973.

Arts@MSP transforms Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport into a journey of creativity and connection. Travelers experience shimmering “aurora” lights, curated local art exhibitions, a growing permanent collection, more than 1,000 live performances each year, and the nation’s first airport state-of-the-art film screening room. Minnesota's arts scene is showcased around every corner.

Nashville International Airport (BNA) knows that making a good first impression is an art — literally. From the moment passengers arrive, the Arts at the Airport program immerses them in an ever-evolving showcase of Tennessee’s cultural diversity and creative talent, proudly featuring 15 large-scale permanent art pieces from artists across the nation, as well as both permanent and rotating art exhibits by artists with ties to Tennessee. To further highlight Music City’s unique spirit, Arts at the Airport also facilitates daily live music performances on four live music stages that have welcomed both local up-and-comers and household names.

Over the past 25 years, Philadelphia International Airport has created more than 20 galleries and visual arts activations across all of its seven terminals. There is digitized artwork, depictions of the films set at PHL, and permanent exhibitions on both the public and ticketed passenger side.

Terrazzo floors, a glass mural, and a sculptural ceiling installation are part of the six major works of public art on the PHX Sky Train, which are part of the greater collection of public art at PHX. The terrazzo tiles are a stunning reminder to pay attention to the details around you — the 34,398 pounds of aggregate, which includes abalone shell, native desert stones, and recycled glass took nearly five years to complete.

Portland is renowned as a creative destination, so it’s no wonder their airport instills this from touchdown to departure. The art program at PDX includes 14 changing exhibits by regional artists, which could include anything from wood-fired ceramics to set designs from a local animation studio to detailed black-and-white photos of raw materials from geological systems.

When the art grant for Sacramento International Airport was approved in 2009, it became the largest art project to be approved in the county’s history. It continues to thrive, with pledges to develop the airport’s facade and new pedestrian walkway, where there will be more space for new pieces in 2D and 3D. There are already two dozen artworks throughout the terminals and concourses.

The art program at Salt Lake City International Airport dates back to 1977. "The Peaks" is a 90-foot tall steel outdoor installation inspired by the Wasatch Mountains, and it gives first-time visitors an idea of what to expect inside the airport. Works on the inside take over the ceilings and walls, giving the airport a world-class vibe. It’s the kind of airport where there’s something to see in every direction.   

San Diego International Airport’s Art Program elevates the traveler experience through dynamic exhibitions and immersive public art, offering a vibrant introduction to the region’s local arts and culture scene. Their lively calendar features performances from solo musicians to marching bands. They're also one of a few airport arts programs in the nation to host dedicated performing arts residencies, inviting dancers, theater groups, and even poets to create new works in their terminals.

There is a constant rotation of exhibitions displayed throughout the terminal galleries at San Francisco International Airport, thanks to the SFO Museum, a division of SFO committed to sharing California talent. There’s also a permanent collection at the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum, which is located in the International Terminal.

Tapestries, glass art, mosaics, and oil paintings are a few of the mediums by a plethora of artists that Tampa International Airport has collected over the 50-plus years of its public arts program. They span the main terminal ticketing level to the atrium of the long-term parking walkway.