The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with New Terminal One (NTO), has announced the selection of seven internationally recognized artists to create large-scale, site-specific artworks for the new international terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The $9.5 billion project is part of a larger $19 billion initiative to transform JFK into a modern global gateway.
The public art program will feature sculptures, mosaics, and murals that reflect the history, culture, and diversity of both New York City and Queens. The integrated cultural program will also include filmmaking, immersive digital experiences, and branding designed to establish a unique sense of place for travelers passing through the terminal.
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton stated, “Public art that is inspiring and evocative of our region is an essential part of the Port Authority’s strategy to create world-class airports that are becoming destinations in their own right. Riveting public art will anchor an expansive cultural program that will also include immersive digital experiences, engaging filmmaking and distinctive branding that will create a uniquely New York sense of place.”
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole added, “These remarkable artists, filmmakers and digital designers will infuse JFK’s New Terminal One with the energy, diversity, and creativity that define our region. Their work reflects the Port Authority’s commitment to reimagining the entire airport experience across our region — transforming our airports into world-class gateways that embody the very best of New York and New Jersey.”
Jennifer Aument, chief executive officer at NTO at JFK said: “We are thrilled to unveil our art, branding and digital experience program in partnership with the Port Authority and Arup, further elevating our transformational guest experience for partner airlines and their customers at the New Terminal One. From the moment travelers arrive at our doors to the moment they depart, they will be immersed in stunning works of art and unique installations that reflect the distinct energy and culture of New York, a city like no other.”
The selected artists include Yinka Shonibare CBE RA (Kites for Queens), Kelly Akashi (Migration of Flora), Tomás Saraceno (Cloud Cities New York), Ilana Savdie (Egregoros), Julie Curtiss (New York Hands), Firelei Báez (Blue Calaibi–Yao Muzidi), and Woody De Othello (sculpture series). These works aim to celebrate migration themes as well as local identity.
Gideon D’Arcangelo from Arup explained: “Too often airport experiences feel like they could be anywhere. Building on the Port Authority’s philosophy of creating airports with a true sense of place, we set out to create an experience that could not happen anywhere else, that could only happen in New York.”
Yvonne Force Villareal and Doreen Remen from Culture Corps described their approach: “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. Exemplary local and international artists participated in a selection process that resulted in a program grounded in diverse voices and uplifting visions. 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.”
Pentagram led brand development for NTO by integrating visual identity elements throughout passenger spaces such as signage displays—including what it describes as one of world’s largest split flap displays—and graphic installations.
Eddie Opara from Pentagram noted: “At JFK New Terminal One, the brand identity works in concert with the art and digital experiences to celebrate travel as a transformative journey — one that reflects the stories connecting New York to the world.”
Filmmaking initiatives involve short films conceived as “Love Letters to New York,” shown in each hold room; these were produced by Gentilhomme with contributions from local certified minority- or women-owned businesses.
Thibaut Duverneix from Gentilhomme said: “Design, emotion, and cinema converge at an unprecedented scale, transforming a gateway into a stage and bringing New York to life at JFK’s New Terminal One.”
Digital features include dynamic media displays such as “Leaving New York”—a collaboration between Arup & Pentagram—that use visuals alongside soundscapes representing different modes people have used departing NYC over time.
Construction on NTO began in September 2022; its phased opening starts in 2026 with completion expected by 2030 when it becomes JFK’s largest terminal with capacity for up to 23 million passengers annually. This redevelopment is funded through public-private partnerships leveraging nearly four times more private than public investment.
