John F. Kennedy International Airport is getting a new kind of terminal — one that looks more like a museum than a transport hub. As part of a $9.5 billion redevelopment, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and New Terminal One (NTO) have unveiled an ambitious art and cultural program that will turn the airport into a living gallery of New York’s energy, diversity, and creativity.
The new 2.6-million-square-foot all-international terminal, opening its first phase in 2026, aims to redefine what passengers expect from global travel — blending architecture, storytelling, and public art into a single immersive experience.
Turning Travel Into a Cultural Experience
Unlike traditional airports where art and branding sit apart, JFK’s New Terminal One integrates visual art, design, and film into every corner. The goal: to make travelers feel they’ve arrived in New York long before they leave the terminal.
“Public art that’s evocative of our region is central to our strategy for creating world-class airports that are destinations in their own right,” said Rick Cotton, Executive Director of the Port Authority.
A Global Creative Team with a New York Soul
Led by Arup, the cultural program unites creative forces from Pentagram, Culture Corps, Gentilhomme, Karlssonwilker, and We Should Do It All. Together, they’re designing a visual identity that blends art, film, and architecture into one narrative.
From Pentagram’s bold terminal branding to Gentilhomme’s cinematic installations, each element celebrates New York’s rhythm — fast, vibrant, and endlessly diverse.
Seven Artists, One City
The terminal will showcase seven international artists, each creating monumental works that capture the spirit of New York and Queens — themes of migration, identity, and resilience.
Yinka Shonibare’s “Kites for Queens” – nine colorful batik kites soaring across the terminal.
Kelly Akashi’s “Migration of Flora” – an 18-foot bronze and glass sculpture symbolizing growth and renewal.
Tomás Saraceno’s “Cloud Cities New York” – a suspended reflective installation that shifts with light and motion.
Julie Curtiss’ “New York Hands” – mosaic hands holding pretzels and pizza, celebrating everyday icons.
Firelei Báez’s “Blue Calaibi–Yao Muzidi” – map-like murals merging myth and memory.
Woody De Othello’s ceramic sculptures – playful reimaginings of New York’s street fixtures.
Each piece forms part of a continuous artistic journey that welcomes travelers with the unmistakable pulse of New York.
Digital Storytelling and Film
The terminal’s digital framework transforms waiting areas into cinematic spaces.
“Love Letters to New York,” a film series by Queens filmmakers under Gentilhomme’s direction, captures the city’s neighborhoods, people, and sounds.
Immersive digital displays — including a synchronized “Leaving New York” sequence — will wrap ceilings and walls in a moving timeline of the city’s evolution.
Anchoring JFK’s $19 Billion Transformation
The New Terminal One anchors JFK’s $19 billion airport redevelopment, one of the largest public–private airport projects in U.S. history.
Alongside the $4.2B Terminal 6, $1.5B Terminal 4 expansion, and $400M Terminal 8 upgrades, it marks a new era of air travel where function meets culture.
“The artists, filmmakers, and designers contributing to this project reflect the creativity that defines our region,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole.
JFK New Terminal One: Art & Cultural Program: Project Factsheet
Investment: $9.5 billion (overall terminal redevelopment)
Timeline Phase 1: 2026 · Full Completion: 2030
Terminal Size: 2.6 million sq ft · 23 gates · 23M passengers/year
Creative Partners: Arup, Pentagram, Culture Corps, Gentilhomme, Karlssonwilker, WSDIA
Signature Installations: World’s largest split-flap display · “The City in Bloom” lenticular artwork · 3D digital wraparound screens
Part of: JFK Vision Plan – $19B total redevelopment ($3.9B public + $15B private)
Where Art Meets Aviation
When complete, JFK’s New Terminal One will stand as one of the world’s most ambitious airport art programs — a fusion of design, emotion, and identity.
It’s not just about getting on a flight. It’s about arriving in New York — before you even step outside.
