Art of the Airport Tower

Credit Line

Where Art Meets Altitude

 

Art of the Airport Tower celebrates the overlooked icons of aviation through the lens of architecture. In this striking photo series, Smithsonian photographer Carolyn Russo travels the globe to capture air traffic control towers as sculptural masterpieces, interpreting them as monumental abstractions, symbols of cultural expression, and testimonies of technological change.

From minimalist silhouettes to futuristic forms, these towers stand as bold expressions of design at the intersection of function and flight.

Content:

  • 50 large-format framed photographs

  • 50 accompanying text panels

  • Six text panels/essays

Supplements:

Partners

Presenting Partner:
  • Logo for the National Air and Space Museum featuring a stylized aircraft or spacecraft silhouette, with the museum name in bold black text—perfect for complementing touring exhibition photography like Art of the Airport Tower.

Produced By

Art of the Airport Tower is a traveling exhibition by The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and toured internationally by Flying Fish.

Prospectus
Art of the Airport Tower Prospectus
Specifications
  • Size:
    234 running linear ft.
    71.32 m.
  • Freight:
    One (1) climate-controlled trailer
  • Languages:
    American English
Tour Availability

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Prospectus
Art of the Airport Tower Prospectus
Produced By

Art of the Airport Tower is a traveling exhibition by The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and toured internationally by Flying Fish.

Gallery

Art of the Airport Tower photoArt of the Airport Tower photo - Carolyn Russo/SmithsonianArt of the Airport Tower photo - Carolyn Russo/SmithsonianArt of the Airport Tower photo - Carolyn Russo/SmithsonianArt of the Airport Tower photo - Carolyn Russo/SmithsonianArt of the Airport Tower photo - Carolyn Russo/SmithsonianArt of the Airport Tower photo - Carolyn Russo/SmithsonianArt of the Airport Tower photo - Carolyn Russo/SmithsonianArt of the Airport Tower photo - Carolyn Russo/SmithsonianArt of the Airport Tower photo - Carolyn Russo/SmithsonianArt of the Airport Tower photo - Carolyn Russo/SmithsonianArt of the Airport Tower photo - Carolyn Russo/SmithsonianArt of the Airport Tower photo - Carolyn Russo/SmithsonianArt of the Airport Tower - Carolyn Russo/Smithsonian
photos courtesy of Carolyn Russo/Smithsonian

Tour History and Itinerary

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Washington, DC, USA
November 1, 2023
-
November 30, 2016
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College Park Aviation Museum
College Park, MD, USA
December 19, 2016
-
March 10, 2017
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Tellus Science Museum
Cartersville, GA, USA
March 27, 2017
-
September 22, 2017
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U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Huntsville, AL, USA
October 9, 2017
-
December 29, 2017
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Aerospace Museum of California
McClellan, CA, USA
April 16, 2018
-
July 6, 2018
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The Terrace Gallery, City of Orlando
Orlando, FL, USA
February 4, 2019
-
April 26, 2019
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Frontiers of Flight Museum
Dallas, TX, USA
May 1, 2019
-
September 8, 2019
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Reading, PA, USA
January 31, 2026
-
May 17, 2026
View map

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