30+ Artworks Hiding in Austin's Airport — Self-Guided Tour (AUS)

From towering sculptures to fantasy departure gates, Austin's airport is a world-class gallery hiding in plain sight. Here's everything you need to know to experience it.

Most travelers see airports as transitional spaces---places to rush through between destinations. But Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) challenges that notion entirely. Since opening in 1999, ABIA has assembled one of the most impressive public art collections of any American airport, with over 30 permanent artworks, rotating exhibitions, live music stages, and architectural features that transform the travel experience into a cultural journey.

Whether you have a two-hour layover or you're picking someone up from baggage claim, this guide will help you discover the art that makes Austin's airport a destination unto itself.

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A Brief History of Art at ABIA

The Vision from Day One

When Austin-Bergstrom International Airport opened on May 23, 1999, replacing the aging Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, it wasn't just designed for efficiency---it was designed as a cultural statement. The City of Austin's Art in Public Places (AIPP) program, established in 1985, was integral to the airport's development from the beginning.

The City of Austin's Art in Public Places (AIPP) program, established in 1985, was integral to the airport's development from the beginning.

The Barbara Jordan Terminal, designed by lead architect Larry Speck (FAIA) with Gensler Architects and Page Southerland Page, was conceived as a grand Texas landscape. Speck wanted the room to resemble the state's great live oaks extending majestic arms across the hall. The result is a 680,000-square-foot crescent-shaped terminal with sweeping views of the airfield and the expansive Texas sky beyond.

Building the Collection (1999-2015)

From its opening, ABIA committed to "keeping it local" by highlighting regional creativity while also showcasing internationally renowned artists. The first permanent installations included:

• Barbara Jordan Statue (1999) by Bruce Wolfe - The terminal's namesake memorial
• Transition (2006) by James Edward Talbot - The stunning mosaic pedestrian bridge
• Eight Big Guitars (2009) - The iconic baggage claim installation

The Expansion Era (2015-Present)

As Austin's population exploded, the airport expanded---and so did its art program. Major installations during this period include:

• Uplifted Ground (2015) by Michael Singer Studio - The largest public art project ever commissioned by the City of Austin
• Shock Egg (2015) by Erik Eley - Near the cellphone lot
• Meanderwing (2020/2021) by Marc Fornes / THEVERYMANY - The 90-foot aluminum sculpture
• Interimaginary Departures (2021) by Janet Zweig - The viral "infinity gate"
• Convergence / Austin (2025) by Beili Liu Studio - The newest major installation

The Future: Journey With AUS Expansion

In 2025, 23 artist-led teams were commissioned through AIPP to create new permanent installations as part of the Journey With AUS airport expansion program. Of these artists, the majority are from Texas, with half from Austin. The new art will be located throughout the midfield concourse, ticketing, arrivals, baggage claim, curbside, and pedestrian bridges.

Importantly, all airport art is funded through airport revenue (airline fees, concessions, parking) and airport revenue bonds---no local Austin taxpayer dollars are used.

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The Permanent Art Collection: A Complete Tour

Before Security: Art Anyone Can See

You don't need a boarding pass to experience some of ABIA's most impressive artworks.

Meanderwing by Marc Fornes / THEVERYMANY (2020/2021)

Location: Between the Blue Parking Garage and the Consolidated Rental Car Facility Size: 90 feet long Budget: $1,626,500 Material: Coated aluminum

Perhaps the most visually striking artwork at ABIA, Meanderwing is a massive organic lattice sculpture that functions as both art and architecture. The mint-green, biomorphic structure appears to grow from the ground like a living organism---its flowing, cellular patterns suggesting leaves, coral, or the venation of wings.

Brooklyn-based artist Marc Fornes designed the piece to draw inspiration from the twisting forms of Texas live oaks and the limestone grottos of the Hill Country landscape. As you walk beneath its soaring curves, the sculpture complicates light and shadow, creating a dramatic canopy experience that transforms the simple act of walking from the parking garage into a memorable encounter.

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon when the Texas sun casts dramatic shadows through the lattice structure.

Parking: Blue Parking Garage at 3201 Presidential Blvd

For a deeper understanding of how contemporary sculpture like Meanderwing is designed and fabricated, Digital Fabrications: Architectural and Material Techniques explores the computational processes behind structures like this one.

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Uplifted Ground by Michael Singer Studio (2015)

Location: Pedestrian walkway connecting the terminal to the Rental Car Facility (roof of the Red Parking Garage) Length: Over 300 feet Recognition: Americans for the Arts 2016 Public Art Network Year in Review

This sculptural landscape is the largest public art project ever commissioned by the City of Austin. As you walk the elevated pathway, you experience a transformation:

1. Entering the space, you encounter raised plinths with complex relief patterns
2. Moving deeper, these plinths diminish in length while rising in height, becoming cubic concrete elements with textured relief patterns, copper and steel details
3. At the threshold (where a hidden weight limitation of the existing parking deck occurs), the cubic forms visually separate from their base and rise into the air, suspended by steel cables

The concept of "uplifting" has multiple meanings: it references the nearby Llano Uplift geological formation, the uplift of aircraft, and---metaphorically---the uplifting of one's spirit before a journey.

The materials include Texas Llano Uplift granite merged into the surface of the elements, with geometries inspired by local geological formations and patterning from aerial photography throughout the state.

Insider Tip: Walk the pathway slowly. The experience is designed to be contemplative, with textures and patterns revealing themselves gradually.

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Shock Egg by Erik Eley (2015)

Location: Near the Cellphone Waiting Lot Description: An arresting sculpture described as "bending time and space"

This often-overlooked installation rewards those who venture to the cellphone lot while waiting to pick up arriving passengers. The work is part of ABIA's commitment to placing art throughout the entire airport campus, not just the terminal.

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Transition by James Edward Talbot (2006)

Location: Main pedestrian bridge to the Barbara Jordan Terminal Media: Ceramic, stone, and glass mosaic

Local ceramicist James Edward Talbot (famous for his Casa Neverlandia) created this vibrant mosaic that borders the main pedestrian bridge. The design moves from Earth to sun and moon and back again in brilliant colors. As you walk the bridge, the mosaic creates a visual journey that mirrors your physical one.

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After Security: The Barbara Jordan Terminal Collection

Once you pass through security, you enter ABIA's main gallery space.

Barbara Jordan Memorial Statue by Bruce Wolfe (1999)

Location: Near the security checkpoint in the Barbara Jordan Terminal

This life-size bronze sculpture was the first major public piece in the country to honor Barbara Jordan, who was:

• The first African American to serve in the Texas Senate since Reconstruction
• The first African American woman from the South elected to Congress
• A UT Austin professor and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

The terminal was named in her honor in 1999, and the statue serves as both a welcome and a reminder of the values Austin holds dear.

To learn more about Jordan's extraordinary life, Barbara Jordan: Speaking the Truth with Eloquent Thunder is the definitive biography.

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Austin Downtown Cruiser (Day/Night) by Young-Min Kang (2010)

Location: Mezzanine walls near Gates 7 and 13 Size: Two 20-foot spaceship models

South Korean artist Young-Min Kang, a University of Texas MFA graduate, created these remarkable suspended sculptures that look like something out of a retro science fiction film.

The two spaceships are identical in form but different in imagery:

• Day version (west side): Uses photographs of Austin's downtown taken during daylight
• Night version (east side): Uses photographs taken at night

For each ship, images of Austin's historic and modern cityscapes were transferred onto 126 individually cut and shaped aluminum composite segments, then attached to a steel and wood armature. The result is a pair of vessels that hover over the concourse as if docked mid-air, reflecting the city below.

Note: The Day version is being reinstalled at Monumental Stairs as part of the West Infill expansion project.

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Convergence / Austin by Beili Liu Studio (2025)

Location: High bay triangular area across from Gate 15 Size: 16 feet by 12 feet Components: Approximately 400 vertical strands holding 3,200 elements

ABIA's newest permanent installation was created by Austin-based artists at Beili Liu Studio. Installation took place over five nights in September 2025.

Convergence / Austin is a site-responsive work that reflects the purpose, growth, and excellence of AUS. With its ascending, fluid rhythm, the artwork symbolizes the intricate balance among diverse individuals and the powerful energy that emerges when people come together as an evolving, vibrant community.

The piece is made of suspended vertical strands creating a floating, ethereal presence above travelers.

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Interimaginary Departures by Janet Zweig (2021)

Location: Between Gates 12 and 14 (Gate Infinity) Cost: $950,000 Status: Viral TikTok sensation

There is no Gate 13 at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Instead, between gates 12 and 14, you'll find Gate Infinity (*), an immersive and interactive permanent installation that has become one of the most talked-about artworks in any American airport.

The Concept: Brooklyn-based artist Janet Zweig was inspired by China Mieville's novel "The City and The City," about two cities existing within the same space. She designed a complete departure lounge that intersects the existing airport at a seven-degree angle---creating odd visual moments where airport benches appear to pass through walls and ceiling grids merge at impossible angles.

What You'll Experience:

• Flight information displays showing rotating departures to over 120 fictional destinations: Hogwarts, Narnia, Emerald City, Gallifrey (Doctor Who's home world), Wakanda, and more
• Overhead announcements every three minutes boarding passengers to fantastical locations
• A cast bronze touch screen kiosk that asks playful multiple-choice questions ("Are more things smaller than you or larger than you?") before printing a souvenir boarding pass to your personalized imaginary destination

Best Time to Visit: Arrive 30 minutes before your flight to fully explore the installation. The kiosk interaction takes about 5 minutes.

Gate Infinity is the kind of installation that sparks ideas. Carry a Moleskine Cahier Journal to sketch the fictional destinations or jot down the creative questions the kiosk asks --- they make wonderful writing prompts.

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Eight Big Guitars

Location: Baggage Claim, atop Carousel 3 Size: Eight 10-foot-tall fiberglass guitars

These iconic guitars have become one of Austin's most famous landmarks. Originally commissioned by Gibson Guitars and decorated by local Austin artists and celebrities, they were displayed around the city before being purchased at a charity auction by Milton Verrett, who donated them to the City of Austin in 2009.

Individual Guitars and Artists:

• "La Guitarra" by Delfin Escalante
• "Piece of My Heart" by Tracie Sutton
• "Por Vida" by Kathy Marcus
• "Keep Austin Weird" by Sara Hickman

The guitars celebrate Austin's claim as the "Live Music Capital of the World" and form a colorful guitar garden that welcomes arriving passengers and gives departing ones a final musical send-off.

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Live Music: The World's Only Airport Concert Series

Why Austin's Airport Has Live Music

Austin proudly claims the title "Live Music Capital of the World," and ABIA doesn't let you forget it. The airport is the only one in the world with a dedicated live music program featuring local performers.

Stage Locations and Schedules

Live music is available Monday through Friday at multiple locations:

The KUTX Partnership

KUTX 98.9, Austin's beloved public radio station, provides the overhead music throughout the terminal. Even when live performers aren't on stage, you're hearing Austin-centric musicians through the AMX (Austin Music eXperience)---a 24-hour stream available at ABIA, KUTX 98.9 HD3, and online.

What Makes It Special

The performers aren't background music---they're the same working musicians you'd find at legendary Austin venues like the Continental Club, Antone's, and Stubb's. For many travelers, catching a set at ABIA is their first (or last) taste of Austin's music scene.

Tip: Check the current music schedule or contact airport coordinator Celina Zisman at Celina.Zisman@FlyAustin.com for upcoming performers.

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Rotating Exhibitions: The Gallery Behind Security

The Changing Exhibits Program

ABIA's Changing Exhibits Program features rotating displays curated for local, national, and international travelers. Exhibitions span four to 12 months and are scheduled up to three years in advance.

What Gets Exhibited

The program accepts:

• Local and Central Texas regional artists
• State-based cultural organizations
• Individual artists
• K-12 student classes
• Collectors with artworks of public interest

Artwork may be 2-D or 3-D, in most media suitable for respective environments. Installations appear in storefront gallery spaces, wall galleries, vitrines, passenger hold rooms, and baggage claim areas.

Current and Recent Exhibitions

As of late 2025, changing exhibitions feature works by:

• Lys Santamaria
• The 620 Group
• Rehab el Sadek
• Sylvia Troconis
• Del Valle ISD Visual Art students (grades K-5), displayed in tall kiosks across from Gate 10

Important: All changing exhibits are accessible to ticketed passengers only, located past security checkpoints.

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The Architecture: Larry Speck's Vision

Design Philosophy

The Barbara Jordan Terminal was designed with a clear philosophy: minimize distance, maximize views, celebrate Texas.

Key Architectural Features:

1. Crescent Shape: The terminal's distinctive curve shortens walking distances from curbside to gate while keeping the central marketplace in clear view
2. Daylit Open Steel: The structure uses natural light extensively, with the exposed steel trusses lifting "like tree limbs" as they progress toward the outer arc
3. Unobstructed Views: The south facade offers panoramic views of the apron, runways, aircraft, and the expansive Texas skies beyond
4. Intuitive Wayfinding: The simple layout was designed for passengers to navigate intuitively without excessive signage

The "Live Oak" Inspiration

Larry Speck wanted the main hall to evoke a grand Texas landscape with great live oaks extending majestic arms across the space. Working with the architectural team through physical models, they created a 3D structure of primary expressed steel trusses---deep at the entrance and lifting as they fan toward the outer glass walls.

For architecture and design enthusiasts, Airport Architecture by Chris van Uffelen documents how airports worldwide --- including ABIA --- are pushing the boundaries of public space design.

Terminal Capacity

Originally conceived as an 18-gate facility (about 500,000 square feet), the terminal was expanded during construction to 24 contact gates with jet bridges. The current expansion program continues to grow the campus while maintaining the original design vision.

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Instagram-Worthy Art and Photo Spots

For inspiration on photographing public art, The Art of Seeing by Michael Freeman is an excellent companion for developing your eye before your next visit.

Top 10 Photo Opportunities

1. Meanderwing - Stand beneath the lattice for dramatic light/shadow shots
2. Gate Infinity - Pose at the flight board showing "Hogwarts" departures
3. Eight Big Guitars - Classic Austin shot at baggage claim
4. Heart of Austin Neon - The marquee-style letters with vintage guitar
5. "Deep in the Heart of Texas" Mural - Each letter contains Texas imagery

6. Austin Downtown Cruiser - Get the spaceship with the terminal below 7. Convergence / Austin - New installation near Gate 15 8. Uplifted Ground - The suspended concrete blocks make surreal photos 9. Barbara Jordan Statue - Pay respects and document the moment 10. Music Mural - Above the concourse near gates 27-28

A compact travel tripod is invaluable for capturing the dramatic lighting inside the terminal --- especially the late-afternoon shadows through Meanderwing and the moody glow of the Heart of Austin neon sign.

Best Times for Photography

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Experiencing ABIA Art with Limited Time

30-Minute Layover

If you're racing to catch a connection:

• Gate Infinity (Interimaginary Departures) - Between Gates 12-14
• Music Mural - Visible from the main concourse near Gates 27-28
• Catch a live performance - If timing aligns (1-5pm weekdays)

1-Hour Layover

Add to the above:

• Eight Big Guitars (if you need to exit/re-enter, not recommended)
• Austin Downtown Cruiser - Look up at the mezzanine
• Convergence / Austin - Near Gate 15
• Changing Exhibits - Whatever's currently on display

2+ Hour Layover

Stash your carry-on and grab a compact travel daypack to keep your hands free while exploring. You have time to experience the full collection:

• All indoor installations
• Exit security to see Meanderwing and Uplifted Ground (allow extra time to re-clear security)
• Explore the rotating exhibitions thoroughly
• Grab food at one of the restaurants with live music stages

Picking Someone Up / Non-Traveler Visit

You can experience without a ticket:

• Meanderwing - Between parking garage and rental cars
• Uplifted Ground - Pedestrian walkway to rental cars
• Shock Egg - Cellphone waiting lot
• Transition - Main pedestrian bridge (exterior)
• Eight Big Guitars - Baggage claim is accessible without a ticket

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Terminal Art by Location: Quick Reference

Before Security (No Ticket Required)

After Security (Ticket Required)

Baggage Claim (No Ticket Required)

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Local Austin Artists Featured at ABIA

ABIA has consistently championed Austin artists.

Of the 18 permanent artworks commissioned through AIPP, 12 are authored by artists who are from or live in Austin:

• James Edward Talbot - "Transition" (local ceramicist, creator of Casa Neverlandia)
• Beili Liu Studio - "Convergence / Austin" (Austin-based)
• Young-Min Kang - "Austin Downtown Cruiser" (UT Austin MFA graduate)
• Sara Hickman, Kathy Marcus, Delfin Escalante, Tracie Sutton - Guitar installations
• Del Valle ISD students - Rotating K-5 artwork displays

The 2025 expansion continues this commitment: of 23 artist-led teams selected for new commissions, half are from Austin, with the majority from Texas.

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Practical Tips for Art Lovers

Best Days and Times

• Weekday afternoons (1-5pm): Live music + smaller crowds
• Early mornings: Fewer crowds for photography
• Avoid: Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings (peak travel times)

What to Bring

• Charged phone/camera - You'll take more photos than expected. A clip-on phone lens kit helps capture the massive sculptures and architectural details
• Comfortable shoes - The art is spread across a large campus. Lightweight walking shoes make the long terminal walks comfortable
• Extra time - Build in 30-60 minutes beyond your travel needs

Accessibility

All permanent art installations are wheelchair accessible. The Changing Exhibits program specifically notes installations suitable for various environments.

For Serious Art Enthusiasts

• Bring a Field Notes Expedition Notebook --- the waterproof paper is perfect for jotting notes during outdoor stops at Meanderwing and Uplifted Ground
• Download the AUS Art Map before arriving
• Contact the Cultural & Arts Education Coordinator for guided tour information
• Plan your visit around the Changing Exhibits schedule

For Families

• Gate Infinity is kid-friendly and interactive (kids love getting boarding passes to Hogwarts)
• Del Valle ISD student artwork near Gate 10 shows what local kids are creating
• Eight Big Guitars at baggage claim delights children
• Live music stages offer free entertainment during layovers
• Bring along The Museum Book to get kids engaged with art before your airport tour

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The Art Program's Impact

By the Numbers

• 30+ permanent artworks on the AUS campus
• $1.6 million invested in Meanderwing alone
• $950,000 for Interimaginary Departures
• 23 artist-led teams commissioned for the 2025 expansion
• 68% local artists in the most recent applicant pool

Community Engagement

The 2025 expansion included unprecedented community engagement:

• Terminal activities December 8-12, 2025
• Open houses and community activations throughout Austin
• Digital survey open to all Austin residents and airport customers
• Artist presentations to the Austin Arts Commission

Funding Model

All airport art is paid for through:

• Airport expansion project funding
• Airport revenue (airline fees, concessions, parking)
• Airport revenue bonds

No local Austin taxpayer dollars are used for artist-led projects.

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Planning Your ABIA Art Tour

For Departing Passengers

1. Arrive 2.5-3 hours before your flight
2. Experience Meanderwing and Uplifted Ground before entering terminal
3. Clear security with 90+ minutes to spare
4. Visit Gate Infinity first (worth 15-30 minutes)
5. Explore changing exhibits
6. End at your gate with time for live music (if 1-5pm weekday)

For Arriving Passengers

1. Take your time exiting the plane
2. Notice Austin Downtown Cruiser on the mezzanine
3. Walk slowly through the terminal to catch live music and exhibits
4. Stop at the Eight Big Guitars in baggage claim
5. Exit via the main pedestrian bridge to see Transition
6. Extend your trip via Uplifted Ground to experience the full walkway

For Non-Travelers

1. Park at Blue Parking Garage ($3/hour, first 30 minutes free)
2. Walk through Meanderwing to the terminal
3. Return via Uplifted Ground walkway (on the Red Garage roof)
4. Visit Shock Egg at the cellphone lot
5. Enter terminal to see Barbara Jordan statue and baggage claim guitars

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Beyond the Airport

If ABIA has sparked your interest in Austin's art scene, pick up Art Cities of the Future for a deeper dive into how cities worldwide are using public art to transform urban spaces. And if you're new to Austin, Moon Austin, San Antonio & the Hill Country is the most comprehensive guidebook for planning your arts and culture itinerary beyond the airport. Continue your local exploration:

• Blanton Museum of Art - UT Austin's world-class collection
• Laguna Gloria Sculpture Garden - Outdoor art meets Lake Austin
• Austin's Street Art and Murals - From "I Love You So Much" to hidden gems
• East Austin Studio Tour - Meet the artists in their studios

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More Austin Art Destinations:

• Austin's Best Sculpture Gardens — Free outdoor art across the city
• Austin Murals & Street Art — 200+ murals with locations and photos
• 5 Hidden Gem Galleries — Off-the-beaten-path art spaces
• Browse Our Collection — Take Austin art home with you
• Art Appraisal Services — Know what your art is worth

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From Transit to Collection

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport proves that public art can transform the most mundane experiences. What could be a stressful rush becomes a gallery visit; what could be a tedious wait becomes an encounter with world-class creativity.

The artists and visionaries who built ABIA's collection understood something important: transitions deserve attention. The moments between origin and destination aren't empty space to endure---they're opportunities for discovery, reflection, and inspiration.

Next time you pass through AUS, give yourself the gift of time. There's an entire museum waiting for you between check-in and boarding.

There's an entire museum waiting for you between check-in and boarding.

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Looking for more Austin art experiences?

Browse Austin Gallery's curated collection of investment-grade artwork from established and emerging Texas artists.

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