How the San Diego airport has become a contemporary art museum
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San Diego International Airport unveiled a new art exhibit this month as part of a decades-old arts program designed to give travelers a glimpse of the city's culture while supporting local artists.
State of play: The "Mirror Mirror" exhibit throughout Terminal 2 at SAN features more than 100 pieces by 16 contemporary artists from the region that explore light, color and space.
- Travelers can engage with LED light displays, a piano that creates optical illusions, massive hanging sculptures, and pieces made from unexpected eyewear, colorful geodes or yarn.
The big picture: Airports around the country embrace the role of public art museum, featuring eye-catching installations that can leave an impression on travelers, enhance a trip and make a terminal (or layover) less mundane.
- The transportation hubs showcase public art in large atriums filled with natural light, and see tens of thousands of visitors daily.
What they're saying: "Airports aren't just places to catch a flight anymore — they're places where people spend real time. Art makes that time more memorable," curator of SAN's arts program Daniel Dennert told Axios.
- SAN's art isn't just about filling space. Pieces and performances are an introduction to the local community, can relieve stress and inspire, and help with navigating terminals, Dennert said.
- "It turns waiting time into discovery time," he said.
The intrigue: The airport's performing arts resident, Poets Underground, is bringing live poetry, spoken word and mural painting to the terminal this spring.
Flashback: SAN's arts program started in 2003 when the county airport authority became an independent agency. It was formalized under the authority's first Arts Master Plan in 2005, according to Dennert.
- The airport used to showcase a variety of exhibitions from local artists and cultural organizations. Then created a more cohesive experience in 2014 by launching its first themed art show throughout the airport.
What's next: "Mirror Mirror" will be on display through 2025, with more to come when the new Terminal 1 opens this fall.
