Art at AUS
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, 2006
Artists: Various local artists, commissioned by Gibson Guitars, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: Baggage Level
Art Terrazzo: Austin in 1839 & Texas Rivers, 1999
Artist: Lawrence W. Speck Studio at PageSoutherlandPage
Location: Baggage Level
Learn more about Austin in 1839 & Texas Rivers
True Patriot: Barbara Jordan Memorial Statue, 2002
Artist: Bruce Wolfe, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: Baggage Level
Learn more about True Patriot: Barbara Jordan Memorial Statue
Carved granite glyphs, 1999
Artist: Philippe Klinefelter
Location: Baggage Level, wall behind baggage carousels
Learn more about the carved granite glyphs
Green Austin Series, 1991
Artist: Jimmy Jalapeeno, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Locations: Pre-Screening area, east & west sides of the ticket lobby exits
Learn more about the Green Austin Series
View on Map (Checkpoint 2E & 2W)
Hill of the Medicine Man, 1999
Artist: Thomas Evans, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: Pre-Screening area, above East ticket counters
Learn more about the Hill of the Medicine Man mural
History of Bergstrom Air Force Base
Courtesy of: Bergstrom-Austin Community Council Collection & Austin Scale Modelers Society
Location: Baggage Level, by Carousel 1
Learn more about the Bergstrom AFB history exhibit
Reality - Texas - Mythology, 1999
Artist: Jill Bedgood, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Locations: Restrooms throughout the Barbara Jordan Terminal
Learn more about Reality - Texas - Mythology
To Parts Unknown, 1999
Artist: Sandra Fiedorek, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: currently off view
Learn more about To Parts Unknown
The Visit, 1999
Artist: Fidencio Duran, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: Pre-Screening area, above West ticket counters
Learn more about The Visit mural
Voyages, 1999
Artist: Judy Jensen, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: West Infill
Austin Downtown Cruiser (Day), 2009
Artist: Young-Min Kang, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: Past Security Checkpoints, West mezzanine wall
Learn more about Austin Downtown Cruiser (Day)
Austin Downtown Cruiser (Night), 2009
Artist: Young-Min Kang, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location:Past Security Checkpoints, East mezzanine wall
Learn more about Austin Downtown Cruiser (Night)
Austin Icon Ceramic Tiles, 1999
Artist: Claudia Reese & Phil Martin, Cera-Mix Studio
Location: Past Security Checkpoints, inside restrooms
Austin's Sister Cities
Five cases containing various gifts of state
Location: International Arrivals Corridor
Learn more about the Sister Cities exhibit
Birds of Texas, 2019
Artist: Mila Sketch
Locations: Gate 12 Hold Room, Pet Relief Area
La Musica Sigue, 1999
Artist: Raul Valdez
Location: Past Security Checkpoints, West end of the concourse
Learn more about La Musica Sigue
Lindbergh Lands in Paris, 1975
Artist: Rosemary Mahoney
Location: Past Security Checkpoints, West concourse, mezzanine level, near entryway to airline clubs
Learn more about Lindbergh Lands in Paris
Texas Horizon Benches, 2015
Artist: Hawkeye Glenn
Location: Past Security Checkpoint 1, post security screening
Learn more about Texas Horizon Benches
URBAN Nature Series, 2020
Artist: Mila Sketch
Locations: Men's and Ladies' Restrooms, Gate 10 area; TSA Security Checkpoint 2 East
Interimaginary Departures, 2021
Artist: Janet Zweig, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: Past Security Checkpoints, next to Gate 14
A Place To Call Home, 2018
Artist: Rakhee Jain Desai
Location: International Arrivals Corridor
Learn more about A Place To Call Home
Time Lines, 2014
Artist: Mikyoung Kim, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: Customs Border Patrol Processing Atrium
On the Grounds
Checker Burst, 2015
Artist: Eric Eley, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: Spirit of Texas Drive, near Cell Phone Lot
Learn more about Checker Burst
Shock Egg, 2015
Artist: Eric Eley, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: Spirit of Texas Drive, near Cell Phone Lot
Leaf, Pod, & Samara, 2015
Artist: John Christensen, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: Baggage Level pick-up area
Learn more about Leaf, Pod, & Samara
Transition, 2006
Artist: James E. Talbot, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: East & west pedestrian bridges from garage to Barbara Jordan Terminal
Uplifted Ground, 2015
Artist: Michael Singer Studio, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: The Car Rental Facility veranda and walkway to the Barbara Jordan Terminal
Learn more about Uplifted Ground
Meander Wings, 2021
Artist: Marc Fornes, THEVERYMANY, Art In Public Places (AIPP) Collection
Location: Pedestrian walkway between the CONRAC Car Rental Facility and the Blue Garage
Learn more about Meander Wings
Plume, 2022
Artist: 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.
In the Terminal Now
Keeping AUS Safe & Wild
The AUS Art Program presents Keeping AUS Safe & Wild, an exhibition highlighting the City of Austin, Austin Aviation's sustainability practices. Aviation is committed to sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. By cultivating a culture of safety, our operations teams pursue exceptional standards in climate resilience and adaptation, responsible energy consumption, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, conservation of water resources, waste and recycling management, as well as wildlife protection and biodiversity. Whether passing through or returning home, we hope to educate our passengers about the resources AUS uses to preserve and cohabitate with the wildlife on and around airport property. As you explore the terminal, you may discover our resident wildlife habitats, animals frequently encountered here, safety protocols, and information about water conservation all intended to elevate your Journey with AUS.
Location: East End Kiosk Displays
View on Map
Location: Colony Park Gallery
View on Map
Location: Clarksville Gallery
View on Map
Location: Moore's Crossing Gallery
View on Map
Location: Exit Pylon Displays
View on Map
Location: Digital Displays, Gates 1-10
Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest
Each year, the Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest invites Texans of all ages to explore the question: “What does mental health and well-being mean to you?” This year’s 454 submissions reflect powerful personal stories through visual art, writing, and photography.
Mental health is part of everyone’s story, yet it is often left out of the conversation. This exhibit helps change that—sharing lived experiences, breaking stigma, and reminding us that mental health deserves the same care as physical health.
The contest is a partnership between Texas System of Care, the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health at UT Austin, and Texas Health and Human Services.
Location: Gate 11 Gallery
Art Spark Texas | Vision & Valor
“Vision and Valor” is a women's veteran art exhibit presented by Art Spark Texas that celebrates the creativity, strength, and resilience of veterans. In partnership with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, this exhibit honors Veterans Month by showcasing the work of women veteran artists from across the state, each bringing a unique perspective shaped by their service, experience, background, and artistic journey.
Art Spark Texas is a statewide organization dedicated to supporting artists with disabilities and those who create art from diverse life experiences. Through our Veterans Program, we connect Texas veterans with opportunities for creative expression, exhibition, community engagement, and professional growth through the arts. The program recognizes that art can be a powerful tool for storytelling, reflection, and healing, offering a means for veterans to explore identity, purpose, and connection beyond military life.
Location: Mobility Lounge
Ali Khataw | Echos of Nature and Humanity
Ali considers himself as a visual storyteller and he chose the title “Echos of Nature and Humanity” because, in both the wild and the human experience, moments are fleeting, yet their impact lingers – like echoes through time. Each photograph in this collection captures a decisive moment that speaks to the deep connections between nature and humanity, revealing visual stories of survival, resilience, and coexistence that transcend borders and generations without language being a barrier.
Location: Hallway on west end of baggage claim
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
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Location: Tacodeli Stage (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.