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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

The region’s largest airport showcases work by emerging and internationally acclaimed artists.

Ralph Helmick and Stuart Schechter. Landing, 2005. Cast pewter, acrylic spheres, and stainless cable. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, SeaTac, WA. Photo: Port of Seattle

As a primary portal to the region, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport gives many visitors their first impressions of the Pacific Northwest and its culture.

Sea-Tac began commissioning public artwork in 1968 and today the collection features integrated artworks, signature pieces by internationally and regionally known artists, and a temporary exhibition program. Its commissioned artworks and architectural design create a sense of place that celebrates the spirit of the region and its connection to the world.

The artwork at Sea-Tac is owned and managed by the Port of Seattle, which supports the acquisition of artwork through a 1% for Art program similar to those of the City of Seattle, King County, and other municipalities in the region. As part of the expansion of Sea-Tac’s southern and central terminals, the Port hired 4Culture to oversee the development of integrated artworks. In the early planning stages, 4Culture supported the establishment of an Art Oversight Committee, which now guides all public art efforts at the airport, and the adoption of artwork criteria and budget guidelines. Additional 4Culture services included art planning, facilitation of the artist selection processes, contract negotiation and administration, supervision of artwork fabrication, and construction coordination.


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With the expansion of Sea-Tac’s south main terminal and the opening of the Grand Arrivals Hall and Concourse A, the Port added 14 new works of art. Pieces from the existing collection were also relocated to the area and space was allocated to expand the airport’s popular exhibition program.