The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced a landmark collaboration with four premier New York City cultural institutions – the American Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art – that will transform the new US$4.2 billion Terminal 6 (T6) at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) into a distinctly New York arts district within the airport.
The permanent arts and culture showcase – which will include a dedicated piece from Yoko Ono – will welcome millions of travellers each year with a curated experience reflecting “the creative spirit of New York City through its world-renowned cultural institutions.”
The initiative supports the Port Authority’s vision to create a world-class passenger experience at JFK, similar to the award-winning, internationally recognized terminals at the new LaGuardia Airport and the new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport, through inspirational public art and local concessions to create a unique sense of place, operational excellence, 21st century technology and world-class functionality.
The overall JFK T6 art program, of which the cultural collaboration is just one component, ranges from sculptural installations to immersive visual art.
The effort will also include 19 major site-specific permanent installations curated by Public Art Fund and rotating local artworks curated by Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning. The artworks will be unveiled in 2026, when the first phase of T6 is expected to open.
The new Terminal 6 is a key component of the Port Authority’s $19 billion transformation of JFK into a world-class gateway, with two new terminals, two expanded and modernized terminals, a new ground transportation centre, and an entirely new and simplified roadway network.
Lincoln Center’s contribution is a 43-metre mural – a vibrant visual symphony that captures the energy, artistry, and dynamism of the performing arts on the iconic campus.
As a champion of contemporary art and a creative cornerstone of New York City, MoMA is joining forces with artist Yoko Ono to deliver a special installation. This new project, inspired by Ono’s work PEACE is POWER commissioned by MoMA in 2019, will invite travellers to engage with the depth and urgency of her voice.
The American Museum of Natural History will present a tapestry of images from its halls, from familiar faces like the museum’s Tyrannosaurus rex specimen and Rapa Nui figure, to storied exhibitions such as the Hall of North American Mammals and new destinations like the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s installation celebrates its mission to present 5,000 years of art from around the world. Images of objects from each of the museum’s 17 curatorial collections – from The Cloisters’ beloved medieval Unicorn Tapestry to the Costume Institute’s Dior bar suit — will welcome travellers.
About the new Terminal 6
Currently under construction, JFK’s T6 is being developed in two phases, with the first six gates opening in 2026 and construction completion expected by 2028. Over a dozen domestic and international airlines will operate from the new terminal, including ANA, Avianca, Cathay Pacific, JetBlue, Lufthansa and SWISS. The new terminal will include:
- 10 gates, of which nine will accommodate widebody aircraft
- State-of-the-art automated baggage system, customs/border control facilities, and the latest TSA screening technologies
- One of the longest departures curbs at JFK, with airline-branded passenger drop-off zones
- Multiple airline lounges, in addition to a new arrivals lounge
- A new ground transportation centre
- A curated collection of New York City-inspired permanent artwork featuring local and international artists, curated by Public Art Fund and programmed by Stanis Smith in partnership with JMP and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
- Sustainably sourced building materials, rooftop solar power, and energy efficient systems and operating practices throughout the terminal
- Sustainability certifications for LEED (silver or gold), Envision and SITES currently underway
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