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
At BLR Airport's Terminal 2,find 'Bird's Eye View' an art installation by Madhvi Subrahmanian. It showcases airport layouts from a bird's eye view to highlight global interconnectedness.Made from steel,the installation's colours reflect the metal's organic qualities and motion pic.twitter.com/oDfuWkFuS7
— BLR Airport (@BLRAirport) April 15, 2023
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
The Kinetic Rain installation at T1 is back in action, operating from 6am to midnight daily!
Bring home a piece of the artwork with you here 👉🏼 https://t.co/e0IhRc0Swh pic.twitter.com/IhkwQ2fajw
— Changi Airport (@ChangiAirport) July 28, 2022
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
Did you know that @HIAQatar has a collection of more than 20 permanent pieces of art that were created by local and international artists?🤩
'Small Lie' is one such amazing art piece that you could capture while transiting through Hamad International Airport. pic.twitter.com/vdmbe41Hp0— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) May 2, 2021
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
Mudras represent gestures & expressions in the Indian Classical Dance culture.
There are an impressive few at #DelhiAirport #KnowYourAirport pic.twitter.com/sBOn7mE5f5— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) June 10, 2017
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
Did you know The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe weights around 5,000 kg (11,000 lbs) #FunFact pic.twitter.com/sc6yELhvJR
— YVR (@yvrairport) October 9, 2015
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
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
Christopher Janney’s “Harmonic Convergence” brings color and sound alive at Miami International Airport. #ArtisEverywhere #OurCounty pic.twitter.com/gzxgv1aa7Q
— Miami-Dade County (@MiamiDadeCounty) January 31, 2017
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