Hidden gems: 5 pieces of art not to miss at TPA
Famous for its giant flamingo sculpture, TPA also has dozens of other world-renowned artists' works on display throughout the Airport.
By now, there's a good chance you've heard about (or seen) TPA's giant pink flamingo, Phoebe, more formally known as HOME by artist Matthew Mazzotta. Located in the Main Terminal, this 21-foot sculpture has become iconic since its installation in 2022. However, many travelers may not be aware of the dozens of other permanent pieces of art located throughout the Main Terminal, at each airside, in the parking garages and at TPA's Rental Car Center. Over the last 50 years, the Airport has built a diverse art collection that reflects the Tampa Bay area and serves as a “surprise and delight” for all travelers. Learn more about five amazing permanent installations below.
Florida Sunset: Completed in 2021, "Florida Sunset" by Jason Middlebrook is a mosaic mural that showcases the natural beauty of Florida’s native flora and fauna. By depicting oversized flowers, insects and a snowy egret against a sunset backdrop, the artist highlighted the importance of biodiversity. This glass tile artwork serves as a colorful and celebratory introduction to Florida's rich ecosystems and can be found indoors at the Blue Express Curbside.
Burgert Brothers Photographic Collection: This collection offers a nostalgic glimpse into Tampa and Florida's west coast history. Featuring panoramic Cirkut photographs from the early 1900s, this display includes iconic images such as the 1927 New York Yankees team photo with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig and the Gasparilla invasion of 1922. These photographs document the region's social and urban development. The project was installed in 2004 and is located across from the Delta ticket counters on Level 2 of the Main Terminal.
Greetings from Tampa Bay: "Greetings from Tampa Bay" by Sheryl Oring is a heartfelt installation that captures the essence of Tampa through the eyes of its residents. During a series of performances, stories were typed up on manual typewriters and paired with Polaroid images, creating an intimate portrait of Tampa Bay. The 48-foot display of 171 images and 123 stories offers an honest, fun and surprising narrative. The next time you're passing through the atrium between the Long Term Parking Garage and the Main Terminal, be on the lookout for this piece.
Good Bye My Love Tampa Seven Days a Week: Esterio Segura’s "Good Bye My Love Tampa Seven Days a Week" is a tribute to the human spirit of travel. Installed at Airside F near Gate 90 in 2017, each of the seven hanging wings (ranging in size from 12 to 14 feet) represents a day of the week, drawing upon the daily flow of journeys and departures. The work reflects on the emotional feelings of flight, celebrating the connection between humanity and aviation.
Paths Rising: "Paths Rising" by Aaron T. Stephan is a dynamic installation that uses over 600 ladders to symbolize individual journeys converging at Tampa International Airport. The ladders, made from basswood and aluminum, create an upward movement that draws the eye to a distant point. Enhanced by a gold leaf finish and strategic lighting, this piece celebrates Tampa’s vibrant culture and the profound connections made by travelers. This piece is located in the Main Terminal walkway to the SkyConnect Station.
COMING SOON: New art is on its way to TPA, including several pieces that will go on display when the Red Express Curbisdes are finished. To learn more about these new installations and dozens of other art displays at TPA including their location and a short description, please visit our website: https://www.tampaairport.com/relax/public-art-program-selected-proposals/public-art-collection