O’Hare debuts Terminal 5 art exhibition featuring 20 local artists

This month, visitors to O'Hare International Airport's Terminal 5 will experience a new public art collection created by over 20 Chicago artists. The $3.5 million public art commission, the largest single acquisition of works by Chicago artists in the last 30 years, was led by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA).

The new art collection at O'Hare aims to showcase the diversity and beauty of Chicago. "Public art tells the story of our city—its beauty, its resilience, the soul of Chicago," said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement.

He added, "We're proud to share Chicago's story and the power of the arts with visitors from across the globe… This is the kind of innovative and unique opportunity that can help continue to bolster and support our public arts scene in Chicago and beyond".

Terminal 5, O’Hare’s international terminal, serves as the first impression of Chicago and the country for millions of passengers. "There is no better way to showcase the essence, the diversity, and the beauty of Chicago than through the arts," said Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee.

The recent O'Hare public art installations are an example of the creativity present in Chicago's artistic community. "The public art in Terminal 5 joins recently completed artworks in the airport’s Multi-Modal Facility and adds to Chicago’s more than 500-piece Public Art Collection…" said DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey.

DCASE’s collaboration with CDA is a part of O’Hare 21, the decade-long project that will overhaul the airport and bring added features to the complex. O’Hare 21 aims to modernize the airport with additional terminals and accommodations to meet the needs of the 21st-century traveler.

For a complete list of the exhibits on display at O’Hare International Airport’s Terminal Five, visit Fly Chicago.