Picture of the week: Phoenix Sky Harbor showcases Arizona arts and culture for travellers in 2026

America’s Friendliest Airport is set to continue celebrating local arts and culture in 2026, building on the success of its Culture Corner and Travelling Tunes programmes at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

Launched in 2025 as part of the airport’s 90th anniversary celebrations, the Culture Corner has been warmly received by both travellers and employees. Located post-security in Terminal 3, the space features monthly programming designed to showcase the diversity, creativity and cultural heritage of Arizona. Community organisations, performers and educators are invited directly into the terminal, transforming the airport into a welcoming gateway to the region.

During 2025, a wide range of organisations took part in the programme, including the Phoenix Sister Cities Taipei Committee, Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix Zoo, Arizona Heritage Foundation and S’edav Va’aki Museum. These activations offered passengers the chance to engage with local history, wildlife, music and cultural storytelling while travelling.

“Our goal is to elevate the passenger experience,” said Aviation Director Chad Makovsky. “Family friendly programmes like the Culture Corner, Traveling Tunes and our airport art programme give us an opportunity to create memorable moments for travellers and employees alike.”

In 2026, the Culture Corner will welcome an expanded lineup of local partners and cultural institutions. Participants will include Ballet Arizona, the Great Arizona Puppet Theatre, the Phoenix Public Library, the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Zoo and the Valle Del Sol Folklórico Club, among others. Monthly programming will span dance, storytelling, science, history and hands-on cultural demonstrations, offering something for passengers of all ages.

Alongside the Culture Corner, the Travelling Tunes programme will continue to deliver live music performances four times each month. Concerts are held twice monthly in both Terminal 3 and Terminal 4, featuring musical styles ranging from easy listening and R&B to country, soft rock, acoustic and percussion. Performers include Juan Felix, Ellis Green, Clydene Balke, Gal Drimmer and Timothy O’Brien.

The airport’s cultural offer is further strengthened by the Airport Museum Program, one of the largest airport art programmes in the United States. Artwork and exhibitions are displayed throughout the airport, including galleries in Terminals 3 and 4 and at the Rental Car Centre. A current exhibition, Spectral Alchemy, showcases 15 local artists exploring light through innovative materials and techniques. In April, a new music-focused exhibition titled Sounds Like Arizona will highlight musicians and bands that have emerged from the state.

“Phoenix Sky Harbor’s Airport Museum brings our region’s art and heritage to life with distinctive, one-of-a-kind exhibitions,” said Airport Museum Manager Haley Hinds.

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