Sea-Tac Airport Art Walk: Must-See Contemporary Installations at Seattle-Tacoma International
It's easy to hurry through an airport from gate to baggage claim without noticing your surroundings, but Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) offers a world-class collection of contemporary art that rivals any gallery.
Affectionately known as Sea-Tac, the airport houses over 65 permanent pieces by local and international artists, turning its terminals into open-air museums. Rotating exhibits feature paintings, glass installations, photography, and sculptures.
Travelers can enjoy the self-guided Sea-Tac Airport Art Walk—a half-mile (one-way) route—with details accessible via a free mobile app. No time to wander? Here are standout installations in convenient locations across Sea-Tac.
Top Art Highlights at Sea-Tac
Pre-Security: Ticket Counter
Near Distance – Maxine Martell
Near Distance is a captivating series of paintings inspired by Seattle's native climate, featuring windy figures, fishermen, and rugged bluffs—hallmarks of the Pacific Northwest.
Where to find it: Ticketing Level, next to the Alki Bakery kiosk. Enjoy the panels with a fresh coffee.
Pre-Security: Mezzanine
Night Flight #1 – Louise Nevelson
Renowned for evoking mystery, Louise Nevelson's found-object sculptures invite deep reflection. This work of nine boxes captures the essence of travel.
Where to find it: Airport Conference Center balcony, overlooking Gina Marie Lindsey Hall.
Pre-Security: Baggage Claim
Clearing – Erin Shie Palmer
This 180-foot copper-paneled arch evokes a stroll through dense Pacific Northwest forests, welcoming arrivals with natural hues and woodland serenity.
Where to find it: Baggage Claim, near carousels 1, 2, and 3.
Post-Security: Central Terminal
Landing – Ralph Helmick & Stuart Schechter
A massive snow goose composed of thousands of acrylic symbols from the Pacific Northwest—including Rachel the Pig, Jimi Hendrix's Stratocaster, Boeing planes, stethoscopes, and coffee mugs.
Where to find it: Central Terminal, in front of the glass curtain wall.
Post-Security: Concourse A
I Was Dreaming… – Cappy Thompson
Local artist Cappy Thompson's stained-glass window—the largest single-image glass painting in the U.S.—draws from dreams, Native American traditions, and astronomy.
Where to find it: Concourse A, Gate A-14.
Post-Security: Concourse B
Wings of Transition – Norie Sato
"The winged ladders symbolize our travels, our journey, and our movement by air," says the artist. All glass is hand-etched for intricate detail.
Where to find it: Concourse B, near the far end.
Post-Security: Concourse C
Star Quarters – Robert Rauschenberg
This mirror-coated piece overlays star maps on diverse images; your reflection integrates into the constellation-like artwork.
Where to find it: Concourse C, between Gate C-3 and Wolfgang Puck.
Post-Security: Concourse D
Journey/Home – Larry Kirkland
This suspended boat, paired with floor tiles, uses ancient cultural imagery to represent life's travels.
Where to find it: Concourse D, far end, hanging below the skylight.
Discover even more at Sea-Tac. View a full map of the permanent collection here and rotating exhibits here.
Images courtesy of the Port of Seattle.
