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These 7 Airports In The World Have Such Incredible Artwork That They Double Up As Museums

by Curly Tales Desk
These 7 Airports In The World Have Such Incredible Artwork That They Double Up As Museums

Airports are often busy and hectic places. However, some of them around the world have recognised the importance of incorporating art installations that create a more inviting and culturally rich environment for travellers. These installations range from sculptures and paintings to interactive exhibits.

Here are the art installations in seven airports that have definitely made travellers awestruck:

1. Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru

Bengaluru International Airport’s new terminal 2 has a well-conceived art program.  This new terminal showcases 60 artworks by 43 artists selected from Karnataka and the rest of India. However, the highlight remains the art installation, Bird’s Eye View by artist Madhvi Subrahmanian. The airport features aerial views (with geographical coordinates) of some of the key airports across the world that Bengaluru is connected with, bringing a sense of interconnectedness. As travellers view the art piece,  the installation evokes a sense of wonder and awe.

2. Changi International Airport, Singapore

This airport is known for its stunning art installations, making it one of the most beautiful airports in the world. One of the notable art installations at Changi Airport is the Kinetic Rain. It’s a mesmerising kinetic sculpture comprising 1,216 raindrop-shaped metal pieces that move in synchrony to create beautiful patterns.

3. Hamad International Airport, Qatar

The Qatar airport was in the spotlight in 2022 for the FIFA World Cup.  And one of the notable installations is ‘Small Lie’, a massive wooden sculpture designed by KAWS. The sculpture is made of wood and is a captivating piece of 30 feet tall art.  Another prominent installation by KAWS is the ‘The Nature of Need’. It’s a digital artwork that features an animated character. Additionally, this installation uses LED screens to display a looping animation of the character.

4. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi

This airport is not only a gateway to the country, however, it is also a cultural hub with a rich history and a variety of art installations. The ‘Hands’ sculpture is a large-scale one consisting of multiple pairs of human hands cast in various poses. The sculpture is typically made from a durable material such as bronze, stainless steel, or other metals, ensuring its longevity and resilience to withstand the rigours of a busy airport environment and representing a range of emotions, actions, and interactions.

Also Read: 5 New Art Installations In UAE That Will Blow Your Mind

5. Vancouver International Airport, Canada

Vancouver positions itself as a prominent city of art and culture. The Spirit of Haida Gwaii is a 20-foot-long canoe filled with an array of intricate and detailed bronze sculptures and located in the international terminal. In addition, the artwork portrays various animal and human figures that are representative of the Haida people who are an indigenous group from the Haida Gwaii archipelago. Similarly, the sculpture also showcases the cultural significance of the Haida people.

6. San Francisco International Airport, USA

art installation in airports
Credits: Website/Ned Kahn

Curated by Ned Kahn, Cloudscape is a captivating art installation of this airport. Suspended from the ceiling in a grid pattern, this dynamic artwork consists of thousands of small, shimmering aluminium panels. Additionally, these panels move gently with the air currents created by the airport’s ventilation system, creating a mesmerising display that resembles clouds in motion. Moreover, you will notice as travellers walk by or look up, they are treated to a constantly changing and evolving artwork. This mimics the ever-changing nature of clouds in the sky.

7. Miami International Airport, USA

A captivating art installation located at Miami International Airport is the Harmonic Convergence. This immersive artwork is a harmonious blend of technology, sound and visual elements, designed to create a multisensory experience for travellers. Moreover, each sculpture is equipped with motion sensors and sound devices, creating a unique symphony of sounds and visuals that change in real-time as people interact with the installation.

So, which of these art installations in airports have caught your attention?

Cover image credits: Website/Hamad International Airport

First Published: April 20, 2023 6:26 PM