New Art Installations Celebrate Philadelphia at Airport

Travelers passing through PHL can now enjoy photography, murals, and a ceiling mural highlighting the city's landmarks and creativity.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:25pm

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Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has unveiled three new art installations that celebrate the city's creativity, community, and cultural history. The exhibits include a photography showcase from the Fleisher Art Memorial, a mural by local artist Isabella Akhtarshenas, and a large ceiling mural by Emily White featuring Philadelphia landmarks and scenes.

Why it matters

The new artworks aim to welcome visitors to Philadelphia and showcase the city's vibrant arts scene as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026. The installations provide travelers with a chance to connect with the local culture and community before arriving or after departing the city.

The details

The 'Collective Works of a Community Darkroom' exhibit in Terminal F highlights decades of photography made by Philadelphians through a partnership with the Fleisher Art Memorial. The 'Philly Starts Here' mural by Isabella Akhtarshenas in the Customs Arrival area is a love letter to the city, featuring iconic landmarks. Emily White's expansive ceiling mural in the A-West International Corridor uses City Hall as the focal point and incorporates SEPTA map-inspired stripes, the Eakins Oval, and hidden Pennsylvania flora and fauna.

  • The new art installations debuted in March 2026.

The players

Fleisher Art Memorial

A community art center founded in 1898 that has been a place for Philadelphians to learn, experiment, and tell their stories through photography for over 50 years.

Isabella Akhtarshenas

A Philadelphia-based muralist, ceramicist, and animator who created the 'Philly Starts Here' mural at the airport.

Emily White

The artist behind the expansive ceiling mural in the A-West International Corridor that highlights Philadelphia landmarks and scenes.

Helen Cahng

The PHL Collections and Exhibitions Curator who shared details about the new art installations.

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What they’re saying

“The Fleisher Art Memorial, Isabella Akhtarshenas and Emily White artworks are the latest in a series of special exhibitions planned to celebrate America's 250th birthday and our city's rich cultural history.”

— Helen Cahng, PHL Collections and Exhibitions Curator

The takeaway

The new art installations at Philadelphia International Airport showcase the city's vibrant arts scene and cultural heritage, providing travelers with a warm welcome and an immersive introduction to the local community. These exhibits reflect Philadelphia's creativity, diversity, and pride as the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary.