Since 1999, AUS has been “keeping it local” by presenting works of art from local artists through changing exhibitions on walls and galleries located throughout the terminal.
Within the terminal as well as outdoors, both large and small-scale permanent public art can also be found. Whether created by artists local to Austin or artists based elsewhere in the world, the final artwork always speaks to the spirit of Austin and is always unique to AUS.
Learn more about our temporary and permanent art displays below.
Permanent art has been sited and installed at AUS since opening in 1999. Currently there are over 30 Artworks permanently situated in and around the Airport. Many of which are on public display and some are in storage. Acquisition of Artworks happens through various ways: gifts, non-capital construction funds and airport revenue funds and the Art in Public Places (AIPP) program. AUS generates opportunities for local, Texas-based, national and international artists and artist-led teams to work collaboratively with airport planners, architects and other designers to created integrated and functional artworks for the airport.
AIPP is the City of Austin’s public art program managed through the Economic Development Department. AIPP commissions visual artists who work across all media to create site-specific installations and unique public art that reflect the history and values of our communities.
As part of the airport’s growth plans, new AIPP opportunities were planned for AUS. These artworks will be installed as part of the Airport Expansion & Development Program and will be ready for the public to enjoy when the new Concourse and Arrivals and Departures Hall open. You can explore the airport’s current AIPP collection here.
In the terminal: |
 Eight Big Guitars, 2006Artists: Various local artists, commissioned by Gibson Guitars, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: Baggage Level |
 Art Terrazzo: Austin in 1839 & Texas Rivers, 1999Artist: Lawrence W. Speck Studio at PageSoutherlandPage Location: Baggage Level |
 True Patriot: Barbara Jordan Memorial Statue, 2002Artist: Bruce Wolfe, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: Baggage Level Learn more about True Patriot: Barbara Jordan Memorial Statue |
 Carved granite glyphs, 1999Artist: Philippe Klinefelter Location: Baggage Level, wall behind baggage carousels |
 Green Austin Series, 1991Artist: Jimmy Jalapeeno, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Locations: Pre-Screening area, east & west sides of the ticket lobby exits |
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Hill of the Medicine Man, 1999Artist: Thomas Evans, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: Pre-Screening area, above East ticket counters |
 History of Bergstrom Air Force BaseCourtesy of: Bergstrom-Austin Community Council Collection & Austin Scale Modelers Society Location: Baggage Level, by Carousel 1 |
 Reality - Texas - Mythology, 1999Artist: Jill Bedgood, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Locations: Restrooms throughout the Barbara Jordan Terminal |
 To Parts Unknown, 1999Artist: Sandra Fiedorek, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: currently off view |
 The Visit, 1999Artist: Fidencio Duran, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: Pre-Screening area, above West ticket counters |
 Voyages, 1999Artist: Judy Jensen, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: West Infill |
 Austin Downtown Cruiser (Day), 2009Artist: Young-Min Kang, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: Past Security Checkpoints, West mezzanine wall |
 Austin Downtown Cruiser (Night), 2009Artist: Young-Min Kang, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location:Past Security Checkpoints, East mezzanine wall |
 Austin Icon Ceramic Tiles, 1999Artist: Claudia Reese & Phil Martin, Cera-Mix Studio Location: Past Security Checkpoints, inside restrooms |
 Austin's Sister CitiesFive cases containing various gifts of state Location: International Arrivals Corridor |
 Birds of Texas, 2019Artist: Mila Sketch Locations: Gate 12 Hold Room, Pet Relief Area |
 La Musica Sigue, 1999Artist: Raul Valdez Location: Past Security Checkpoints, West end of the concourse |
 Lindbergh Lands in Paris, 1975Artist: Rosemary Mahoney Location: Past Security Checkpoints, West concourse, mezzanine level, near entryway to airline clubs |
 Texas Horizon Benches, 2015Artist: Hawkeye Glenn Location: Past Security Checkpoint 1, post security screening |
 URBAN Nature Series, 2020Artist: Mila Sketch Locations: Men's and Ladies' Restrooms, Gate 10 area; TSA Security Checkpoint 2 East |
 Interimaginary Departures, 2021Artist: Janet Zweig, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: Past Security Checkpoints, next to Gate 14 |
 A Place To Call Home, 2018Artist: Rakhee Jain Desai Location: International Arrivals Corridor |
 Time Lines, 2014Artist: Mikyoung Kim, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: Customs Border Patrol Processing Atrium |
On the grounds: |
 Checker Burst, 2015Artist: Eric Eley, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: Spirit of Texas Drive, near Cell Phone Lot |
 Shock Egg, 2015Artist: Eric Eley, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: Spirit of Texas Drive, near Cell Phone Lot |
 Leaf, Pod, & Samara, 2015Artist: John Christensen, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: Baggage Level pick-up area |
 Transition, 2006Artist: James E. Talbot, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: East & west pedestrian bridges from garage to Barbara Jordan Terminal |
 Uplifted Ground, 2015Artist: Michael Singer Studio, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: The Car Rental Facility veranda and walkway to the Barbara Jordan Terminal |
 Meander Wings, 2021Artist: Marc Fornes, THEVERYMANY, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: Pedestrian walkway between the CONRAC Car Rental Facility and the Blue Garage |
 Plume, 2022Artist: Clay Odom & Kory Bieg, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection Location: Pedestrian walkway adjacent to Surface Lot C Photo credit: Philip Rogers |
The Changing Exhibits Program provides exhibit opportunities for local, central-Texas regional and state-based cultural organizations, individual artists, K-12 student classes, and collectors who have art, objects, artifacts and collections of public interest with artistic merit, cultural significance, educational value, or historical relevance.
Artwork may be made, constructed, or designed using most media suitable for respective environments in 2-D or 3-D; and installed in storefront gallery spaces, wall galleries, vitrines, passenger hold rooms, baggage claim and other allowable spaces. The duration of exhibitions spans four to 12 months and scheduled up to three years in advance.
Currently there are no open calls.
Artists will be invited to submit to open calls on an ongoing basis.
NEW EXHIBIT COMING SOON
Background
As part of the Journey With AUS airport expansion program, 23 artist-led teams will be creating new public art installations throughout the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS).
This effort is part of the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) Program, guided by a City ordinance established in the 1980s. The ordinance allocates a percentage of eligible Capital Improvement Project budgets to fund permanent public art installations. No local taxpayer dollars will be used for these art installations—only airport revenue.
Projects will vary from large and dramatic statements to intimate and subtle elements. Artistic impact may include interior or exterior areas, seating, lounges, play zones, digital and time-based installations as well as more traditional art forms. Some concepts may create immersive experiences while others could function as landmarks with deliberate placement to direct passengers.
Who Are the Artists?
Of the 23 artists and teams selected for these major commissions, the majority are from Texas, and half are from Austin. Only three selected artists are from out of state, ensuring the projects remains deeply rooted in the local culture. The three national artists are committed to supporting local Austin-based artists and creative professionals through subcontracting opportunities.
What’s Happening Now
Over the next few months, the artist-led teams and AUS will launch efforts to connect with travelers, airport staff, and community members to better understand the perspectives and experiences of the Austin and Central Texas community. This includes in-terminal activities and events outside the airport to meet with residents and subject matter experts through open houses and community activations.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
10 am - 12 pm
Taco Deli Music Stage (near Gate 23)
Artist: Stephan Hillberbrand and Mary Magsamen (of Hillberbrand + Magsamen)
Stay Connected
Austin residents, AUS travelers and Central Texas community members can stay up-to-date on the future community engagement activations by signing up for the airport’s Stay in Tune traveler monthly newsletter, the airport’s Community Connections newsletter for airport neighbors and Austin residents and by following the airport on social media.
