Dallas airports need more art
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Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport has several water features in its terminal. Photo: Naheed "Explorer" Rajwani-Dharsi/Axios
DFW Airport and Dallas Love Field need more art to keep up with airports in other cities, like Detroit and Chicago.
Driving the news: DFW Airport plans to add about 12 new art pieces to Terminals C, E and F from 2026 to 2030.
The big picture: The airport's coolest art is in Terminal D, which includes a mosaic path and a 16-foot sculpture showing hundreds of hands in applause.
- Dallas Love Field has the "Sky" sculpture and displays local art along the walkway between the terminal exit and baggage claim.
Yes, but: Both airports could use more dynamic art pieces.
State of play: The Detroit airport has a 39-foot-wide fountain where visitors can make a wish and toss in a coin. The money collected is donated to nonprofits. The airport also has a tunnel with colorful LED lights that move with music.
- The Rochester, New York, airport has a mural depicting abolitionist Frederick Douglass' life and a clay-like water feature with a quote attributed to Chief Seattle of the Suquamish and Duwamish tribes.
- Baltimore/Washington International Airport features an airplane suspended from the ceiling and a rotating art collection.
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport has a massive sculpture that shows two arms reaching for each other.
What's next DFW Airport is accepting applications through May 20 for temporary exhibitions at Terminal C.
- Other phases are planned for 2026 and 2028.