Travel days can be long and grueling, but what better way to brighten them up by getting to experience immersive artwork from globally recognized artists?
Plans are underway for JFK’s highly anticipated 2.6 million-square-foot, all-international terminal, the New Terminal One–the airport’s largest to date. It was previously announced that the terminal would include more than 300,000 square feet of space for lounge, retail and dining, but that’s far from all that it has to offer.
On October 27th, it was announced by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and New Terminal One that the project will bring on seven internationally recognized artists to create immersive, site-specific artworks throughout the terminal.
For many travelers, the airport is the first step in a monumental New York travel experience, and at Terminal One that introduction will be infused with the vibrant culture and spirit of Queens.
By incorporating site-specific artworks from internationally recognized artists — from sculptures and mosaics to immersive digital installations — the terminal becomes a celebration of New York’s history, creativity, and community, ensuring that every arrival begins with a true sense of place.
🎨 Artistry to Expect
- 🪻Larger-than-life florals: Kelly Akashi’s 18-foot sculpture Migration of Flora will feature native flowers emerging from a bronze hand, representing New York’s global influence, strength, and unity.
- 🪁 A high-flying Queens tribute: Yinka Shonibare CBE RA’s Kites for Queens is a monumental installation of nine hand-painted Dutch wax batik kites celebrating Queens’ multicultural identity and alluding to migration and global relations.
- 👋 A Hand-y mosaic: Julie Curtiss’ New York Hands is a playful mosaic featuring oversized hands clutching iconic New York foods and cultural symbols, reflecting the city’s theatricality and multicultural vibrancy.
- 📽️ Short films: The New Terminal One will feature “Love Letters to New York,” short films by local M/WBE (minority, women-owned business enterprises) and SDVOB (service-disabled veteran owned business) filmmakers from Queens, provide travelers with a heartfelt glimpse of New York.
- ⌚ A timely hello: Woody De Othello’s whimsical sculptures of watches, payphones, and streetlamps adorn baggage claim carousels, greeting passengers to The City That Never Sleeps.
Yvonne Force Villareal and Doreen Remen, founding partners of Culture Corps, said:
The art program for JFK New Terminal One provides an inspirational journey with a unifying theme ‘We Travel Under One Sky’ that greets passengers to and from New York City…Each artwork is a testament to the magnetism of New York and an inspiring welcome or send off to the estimated 23 million annual voyagers from around the world.
In 2021, it was announced that the highly anticipated renovation, to be located on the sites of current Terminals 1, 2, and 3, would begin production with completion expected by 2030. The addition of the artistic and cultural elements mark a celebration of unity, one of the defining components of the city.
✈️ What to Know About JFK’s New Terminal One
- 📏 Bigger than ever: 2.6 million-square-foot all-international terminal — the largest at JFK once complete.
- 🗓️ Opening timeline: Opening in phases starting in 2026, with full completion expected in 2030.
- 🧳 Passenger capacity: Will serve up to 23 million travelers annually across 23 gates.
- 🌎 Part of a larger vision: A key piece of the Port Authority’s $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport.
- 🖼️ World-class experience: Designed to combine art, technology, and comfort for a next-generation travel experience.
- 🎥 Integrated cultural program: Features art, film, and digital installations that celebrate New York and Queens’ diversity and creativity.
Hear more about JFK’s New Terminal One here!