Atlanta Airport Celebrates 100 Years with New Exhibit

Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup, airport showcases its history and role in Atlanta's growth

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has unveiled a new permanent exhibit showcasing the airport's 100-year history. The exhibit, located between Concourses D and E, features historic artifacts, signage, and information about the airport's growth, its role during the Civil Rights Movement, and its rise to become the world's busiest airport.

Why it matters

As one of the main gateways for fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Atlanta, the new exhibit provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the airport's rich history and its significance to the city. The display highlights Atlanta's perseverance, resiliency, and forward-thinking approach, which have contributed to the airport's success over the past century.

The details

The exhibit includes a variety of items on display, such as historic signage, uniforms, a large-scale model of a Pitcairn Mailwing airmail plane, and an original rotating beacon from the airport's control tower. The exhibit also showcases the growth of Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, the airport's role during the Civil Rights Movement, and the launch of Atlanta's first nonstop international flight.

  • The new exhibit opened in February 2026, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport first opened in 1926, celebrating its 100-year history.

The players

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The world's busiest airport, located in Atlanta, Georgia, which has been a major transportation hub and economic driver for the city since its opening in 1926.

Ricky Smith

The Airport General Manager, who stated that the new exhibit captures the airport's history and significance to Atlanta and the world.

Sheffield Hale

The CEO of the Atlanta History Center, who noted that a single piece of art in the airport is seen by as many people in two weeks as the Museum of Modern Art in New York City sees over an entire year.

Gary Super

The exhibit designer, who said the display includes "fun stuff" but also encapsulates the heart and soul of the airport.

Andre Dickens

The Mayor of Atlanta, who expressed excitement about the exhibit and the city's preparations for hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“This installation captures who we are, where we began, and what this airport represents to Atlanta and what it represents to the world.”

— Ricky Smith, Airport General Manager (wrdw.com)

“A single piece of art in a prominent spot in this airport is seen by as many people in two weeks as the Museum of Modern Art in New York City sees over the course of an entire year.”

— Sheffield Hale, CEO of the Atlanta History Center (wrdw.com)

“This airport is a crossroads for the world, powered by a workforce as diverse as the travelers passing through these gates every day. From its earliest days, this has been a place where people believed they had an equal chance to succeed.”

— Gary Super, Exhibit Designer (wrdw.com)

“They're gonna come to Hartsfield-Jackson and see the art exhibit and learn a lot about Atlanta, our perseverance, our resiliency and our forward thinking, so I'm excited about this.”

— Andre Dickens, Mayor of Atlanta (wrdw.com)

“This exhibit will show the people that come through for the World Cup that 100 years of success, being the busiest and most efficient in the world, didn't happen by accident.”

— Ricky Smith, Airport General Manager (wrdw.com)

What’s next

The new exhibit is permanent, so travelers passing through the Atlanta airport will be able to experience the airport's history and learn about its significance to the city and the world.

The takeaway

The new exhibit at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport showcases the airport's 100-year history, highlighting its growth, its role in Atlanta's development, and its status as a global transportation hub. As Atlanta prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the exhibit provides an opportunity for visitors to connect with the city's rich history and legacy of innovation.