The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), announced the installation of a new public art exhibit by Brooklyn artist Ron Bass at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 7. This exhibit aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers by contributing to a uniquely New York atmosphere.
The four wall murals, located in the departures and arrivals areas, represent the first major art exhibition at Terminal 7. This terminal serves 13 domestic and international airlines, handling around 2,000 passengers daily. The exhibit will be on display until 2026 when Terminal 7 is scheduled to be decommissioned to make way for the second construction phase of Terminal 6. The new Terminal 6 is part of a $19 billion transformation project at JFK Airport.
Ron Bass is known for his eclectic style that blends pop culture, street art, and fashion elements. His work reflects New York City's rich artistic heritage and cultural diversity. This exhibit marks his first in an airport setting.
“Across the region, the Port Authority is transforming its airports with new award-winning, world-class terminals that are filled with inspiring works of art,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “As we have done at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A and at the new LaGuardia Airport, we will transform JFK International Airport into a great global gateway with terminals that incorporate inspirational public art, operational excellence, 21st-century technology and world-class functionality.”
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton added: “New York is the cultural capital of the nation, so there is no better way to create a unique sense of place at the nation’s busiest international gateway than by including original, inspiring works of public art at Kennedy Airport.”
Karen Ali, Chief Operating Officer at JFK Millennium Partners said: “We are constantly looking at how we can further improve the passenger experience at Terminal 7 and reinvigorate the space. Our aim was to ensure that travelers and employees alike felt New York’s vibrant, uplifting spirit as soon as they entered our building – and we knew that Ron Bass was the perfect artist to do this.”
Passengers can view these murals in specific locations within Terminal 7:
- “Dear NY” – Arrivals
- “Unified” – By gates 7/8
- “I (really) LOVE NY” – Near gates 5/6
- “Destination: New Heights” – Gate 9
“This is a huge honor for me to partner with JFK Millennium Partners at Terminal 7. It’s my hometown -- my foundation,” said artist Ron Bass.
Terminal 7 currently hosts Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, ANA, Condor, Ethiopian Airlines, Frontier Airlines HiSky Icelandair Kuwait Airways LOT Polish Airlines Norse Sun Country Airlines.
Public art remains central to developing world-class airport terminals as demonstrated in other projects like LaGuardia Airport's new terminal B and Newark Liberty International Airport's new terminal A.
In January 2017, a comprehensive plan was announced aiming to transform JFK into a world-class airport. The $9.5 billion development includes multiple privately financed projects alongside significant investments from Port Authority amounting to $3.9 billion leveraging private investments exceeding $15 billion combined.
