Artwork Exhibits Expand at JFK Airport's Cultural Hub, Four New York Institutions
A unique and immersive cultural experience awaits travellers at John F. Kennedy International Airport's Terminal 6, set to open in phases beginning in 2026. This world-class passenger facility, a joint venture between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), will offer more than just a transit hub. With an extensive art program, Terminal 6 is poised to become a destination beyond transit, showcasing New York City's creative spirit.
The art program at Terminal 6 is a multifaceted, site-specific cultural initiative that combines permanent works and rotating exhibitions. Curated by Public Art Fund and the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, the program reflects New York City's rich artistic and scientific heritage.
Major Contributions from Iconic Institutions
Four iconic New York cultural institutions—the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts—have contributed significantly to this artistic endeavour.
The Met’s installation brings together 5,000 years of art from around the world, including photographs of the "Unicorn Tapestry" from The Cloisters and a Dior bar suit from the Costume Institute. The American Museum of Natural History will contribute an installation that incorporates its notable research and scientific collections. MoMA, in partnership with artist Yoko Ono, is contributing a piece inspired by her 2019 work PEACE is POWER. This installation features a sky blue gradient along a corridor with words such as "Imagine Peace," "Spread Peace," "Act Piece," and "Think Peace" in white capital letters. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is contributing a 140-foot mural celebrating its work across music, dance, theatre, and opera.
Museum Row Concept
The international arrivals corridor is transforming into a "museum row," lined with iconic art pieces from these institutions. This aims to offer travellers a uniquely immersive New York cultural experience immediately upon arrival.
Rotating Local Artworks and Site-Specific Permanent Installations
Public Art Fund and Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning are curating 19 major site-specific permanent installations by local and regional artists that capture New York City's diversity, energy, and identity. Additionally, Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning will curate rotating local artworks, further embedding community connections within the terminal.
A World-Class Passenger Experience
The $4.2 billion Terminal 6 project is designed to be a world-class passenger experience, with the artworks unveiling in phases beginning in 2026. More than a dozen domestic and international airlines, including ANA, Avianca, Cathay Pacific, JetBlue, Lufthansa, and Swiss, will run out of Terminal 6. The construction of Terminal 6 is expected to create about 4,000 jobs.
In summary, Terminal 6’s art program is a testament to New York's creative spirit, showcasing sculpture, murals, immersive visual art, and iconic historical and contemporary works. This curated art transformation firmly establishes Terminal 6 as a destination beyond transit, creating a cultural gateway welcoming global travellers.
[1] Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. (n.d.). JFK International Airport. Retrieved from https://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk.html
[2] JFK International Airport. (2021, September 2). Terminal 6. Retrieved from https://www.jfkairport.com/terminal-6
[3] The New York Times. (2021, September 2). A Cultural Transformation at JFK Airport. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/02/arts/design/jfk-airport-terminal-6-art.html
[4] MoMA. (n.d.). Yoko Ono. Retrieved from https://www.moma.org/artists/3249
[5] The Architect's Newspaper. (2021, September 2). JFK's Terminal 6 to feature a "museum row" of art installations. Retrieved from https://archpaper.com/2021/09/jfks-terminal-6-to-feature-a-museum-row-of-art-installations/
