Phl Kicks Off Silver Celebration for Airport Exhibitions Program

When Leah Douglas started the Philadelphia International Airport's art program in 1998, she had no idea it would grow to more than 500 exhibitions and become a major tourist attraction.

Now, 25 years later, the airport is celebrating its award-winning program with a "Silver Summer" of art, games, and entertainment, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Douglas, who serves as the program's curator, says she's "always said that I am lucky to be working in Philadelphia because of the artists who live in the region."

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney calls the program "a champion of the arts in the Greater Philadelphia region over the past 25 years."

In 2022-23, "more than 88% of the exhibitions featured artwork by women and minorities," according to the airport's website.

Douglas says she's been inspired by the diversity of art schools in the region, as well as the "vast historical and contemporary cultural vibrancy" of the city.

The airport's exhibition program includes 16 locations with rotating exhibitions, as well as four locations where the artwork remains on view long-term and live artist demonstrations.

"What a better place than the airport to send that message to our guestsoften their first and last impressions of the city," says Kenney.

To mark the anniversary,

Read the Entire Article