Is Your Local Airport a Gallery in Disguise? 

Open Your Eyes to Airport Art!

The Best Art in Airports Around the World

Airports have evolved into dynamic spaces where art, culture, and design converge, enriching the travel experience. From sculptures to interactive installations, some airports are using art to captivate and inspire passengers during their journeys. Here’s a look at some of the best airport art programs I’ve encountered in my travels. Click any airport heading to view more info about its collection.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, USA 

I know a lot of people are less than fond of ATL, but I truly have a soft spot for it. That is because Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is not only the world’s busiest airport but also a major destination for art enthusiasts. The airport is home to more than 100 public art pieces, including large-scale sculptures and dynamic installations. One of the most dramatic and popular is the “Flight Paths” sculpture in Terminal T by Steven J. M. P. P. Smith (pictured above), celebrating the global connectivity that ATL facilitates. 

ATL also hosts rotating exhibits, ensuring that there’s always something new for travelers to discover. I’ve seen art here by underappreciated regional creators, both living and deceased; by outstanding students from area schools; and even exhibits of works made by airport employees. The airport also has significant educational displays about the Civil Rights movement, featuring Martin Luther King and John Lewis. 

It’s always good to have a long connection time in Atlanta for logistical reasons, but also to allow time to explore some of the many cultural highlights housed here. Get some extra steps in by walking the art-and-history-laden underground passageways, too, instead of taking the train between terminals, and discover the hidden treasures that await!

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), USA 

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has made its mark with the art found in its Terminal D, also known as the International Terminal. It has commissioned dozens of works by contemporary artists and hosts rotating exhibits in its public spaces—from the walls to the floors to the ceilings. The airport’s commitment to showcasing art enhances the experience for travelers, providing them with a sense of place and culture while passing through. If you happen to live in the DFW area, you can even have a docent-led tour of the artworks. And don’t forget to make a wish!

Denver International Airport, USA 

Denver International Airport (DIA) is famous for its bold and sometimes controversial artwork. Among the most iconic pieces is the “Blue Mustang,” a 32-foot-tall sculpture of a wild horse with glowing red eyes, situated near the airport’s entrance. Inside, visitors can explore murals like “The Children of the World Dream of Peace” by Leo Tanguma, which delivers a powerful message of hope and unity. The airport’s diverse art collection sparks conversation and adds to DIA’s identity as a cultural hub. One of its coolest new additions is a pair of Notre Dame-style gargoyles, groggily emerging from suitcases. They might bring a much-needed smile the next time you're hustling through the terminal in Denver.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Netherlands 

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has long been a destination for art lovers, offering a variety of temporary art exhibitions throughout the year. Although, sadly, the Rijksmuseum closed its Schiphol satellite exhibit permanently a few years ago, the airport still showcases a range of creative works in its public spaces. Travelers can enjoy contemporary art exhibitions, photography displays, and rotating collections that highlight Dutch culture and international artists. A seemingly endless mural created by multiple Dutch artists has recently been added.

Why Not Find Some Pleasure in Your Airport Time?

Airports around the world are increasingly becoming more than just places to board flights—some are on a mission to become artistic destinations. Whether you’re admiring the towering sculptures at DIA, exploring ATL’s impressive art scene, or staring down at the mosaic medallions on the floor at DFW, these airports are enriching the travel experience and proving that art has a place in every journey. Not only that, communing with these creations might take your travel stress level down a notch or two. The next time you have a comfortable flight connection window or a departure with time to spare, be sure to ask where you might find the art!

WOW! A Surprise Addition to the Mon Voyage 2025 Summer Booking Calendar:

I’m working with Alan Walling, the accordionist of the popular band AlpenMusikanten, on a really fun trip down the Upper Danube on my favorite ship (the AmaMagna). He’ll be leading a group of friends and fans on a classic itinerary August 3rd to 10th, 2025 featuring some of my favorite destinations, from major capitals like Budapest to Vienna to charming small towns like Durnstein and Melk, plus Salzburg, Linz, and Cesky Krumlov. Alan will also be offering several private musical performances just for the group. Land options for Munich, Prague, and Budapest. Read more about the itinerary here. 

And if you’re a golfer, this is one of the special dates where you can add the exclusive AmaWaterways Concierge Golf Program package to your cruise and play some of the most gorgeous courses on the continent.

If it reaches a certain size, I may accompany the group—but Alan will be there as your pied piper nonetheless. We have some AMAZING exclusive promotions going on with this one, but only through the end of March: Ama’s Summer Triple Savings ($1000 off, free upgrade, and more) or PLUS a special additional discount of $500 for this group only PLUS $175 per person onboard credit, thanks to my Ensemble consortium affiliation. Reach out book to book your SA suite for only $6138 per person—SWEET! Here's my tour of the SB suite.

What else is available?

🎄🎁 Christmas Markets on the Rhine, December 10-17, 2026, with optional pre-cruise Switzerland package

Check out the itinerary here.

This sailing is already seventy percent booked up--and we are still almost two years away from the trip! Some cabin categories are completely sold out. Ours is a PRIME DATE for a Christmas Market sailing, so don't be left with coal in your stocking!

Your deposit is only $400, with the balance not due until 90 days before the trip (early September 2026). Contact me to snag your cabin today, and sleep easy for another year and a half.

STAY TUNED: Details coming in April for an amazing journey next spring:

Crossroads of Civilizations: The Cultural and Religious History of Turkey

May 1-15, 2026

ENGAGE MON VOYAGE FOR YOUR PRIVATE PLANNING

The Mon Voyage private planning calendar is getting very, very full for the rest of 2025, so speak now or you may not make it into my book! It's not too soon to start planning for 2026, either.

Please note that I will be working in Europe the entire month of March. Response times during that period may be slower than usual, due to my schedule (three professional conferences plus a client group) and the time zone difference.

À la prochaine,