In 1980, the Airport Commission of San Francisco established the Bureau of Exhibitions and Cultural Educations, now known as the SFO Museum, with the intent to “humanize the Airport environment.” Today the museum has twenty-five galleries across the airport’s terminals ranging from wall cases to exhibitions along walkways. They offer travelers the opportunity to admire them briefly while hustling to the gate or to linger and study the displays with care. Exhibitions currently on display include: “More than a Meal: Airline Meal Service Sets, 1960s-80s” (until July 9, 2023), “Japonisme: A Passion for Japan” (until April 2, 2023), and “Stone Sculptures of Zimbabwe” (until May 21, 2023).
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport features a branch of the Rijksmuseum that rotates its exhibitions with material from the museum’s collections. Located in the “Holland Boulevard” section of the airport, Rijksmuseum Schiphol advertises itself as a place to escape the noise of the airport and experience nineteenth-century Dutch paintings. Open 24 hours a day, the collection covers 162 square meters of space and has a shop attached, welcoming travelers visiting Amsterdam as well as those simply passing through the airport to witness some of the country’s artistic productions.