Fly with a Smile…with Ron Bass’ Murals

Talk about creativity in airport travel. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) have unveiled a public art exhibit by Brooklyn artist Ron Bass at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 7. This installation includes four large murals located in the departures and arrivals areas, marking the first major art exhibition in the terminal. Terminal 7, which serves about 2,000 passengers daily, is home to 13 airlines and will be decommissioned in 2026 as part of the airport’s ongoing transformation.

Bass’ vibrant work, influenced by New York City’s cultural diversity, aims to elevate the passenger experience by reflecting the city’s spirit. The exhibit will remain on display until Terminal 7 is replaced by the new Terminal 6, part of a $19 billion project to modernize JFK Airport. The Port Authority’s broader effort includes adding art to new terminals to create a distinctive sense of place for travelers.

The murals are whimsical and beautifully rendered, offering passengers a way to breath in a unique visual display – and in such a unique location.

As Ron Bass said about the opportunity: “This is a huge honor for me to partner with JFK Millennium Partners at Terminal 7. It’s my hometown — my foundation. I wanted to create a free-flowing and abstract New York story. A story that is vibrant, engaging, fun, and representative of the diverse cultures, art, sound, taste, and feel of my beloved city. I’m approaching this body of work as a first line of defense for the many travelers arriving to visit NYC, as well as paying homage to all the employees and staff, residents, and natives returning home. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the word ‘LOVE’ will be present physically and emotionally, and that is my gift to everyone who comes across this four-piece collection.”