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Art at the airport: world-class artists contribute treats for the eye

Magnificent art installations create a museum-quality experience
Posted at 12:15 PM, Sep 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-14 17:58:43-04

SALT LAKE CITY — One of the first things you'll notice when you enter the new Salt Lake City International Airport is that you don't actually feel like you're at an airport.

Instead of a traditional concourse, the interiors of the airport evoke a museum with world-class art lining the walls and, incredibly, the bathrooms!

Some of the major pieces are astounding to see and if you're not careful, you may end up gawking too long and miss your flight.

THE CANYON

Nearly the size of a football field, "The Canyon" was created by artist Gordon Huether and his team. Composed of 2.5 acres of composite fabric and an amazing seven miles of aluminum tubing, "The Canyon" is the majestic installation travelers will see when they enter the airport.

Lights along the artwork with change minute-by-minute, creating a new perspective each step you take down the concourse.

THE FALLS

The other large installation piece by Gordon Huether Studio is "The Falls," a group of plates that appear to cascade down the 80-foot tall escalator well. Natural light in the three-story well shimmers off the light-sensitive glass fins along with light-reflecting glass rods.

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The Falls art installation

WHIMSY WALL PROJECT

Officials with the new airport selected 18 local and national artists to create vinyl wall wraps to be installed inside the airport's bathrooms.

Yes, that's right. The bathrooms.

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Hiker Totem by Janet Erl

"All artwork is unique and one-of-a-kind and intended to inspire an immersive and engaging experience for travelers."

CLICK HERE to see gallery of Whimsy Walls artwork