Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Airport Museums

Locations in this article:  Amsterdam, Netherlands San Francisco, CA Seattle, WA Tacoma, WA

Next time you find yourself with a long layover or an unexpected delay, pay attention to the artwork on display at the airport.

You might be surprised by what you see.

San Francisco International Airport is the first airport museum to receive American Association of Museums Accreditation.

You’ll find work on loan from other museums such as their current display of art made from recycled pieces, like a Moroccan water collector made from rubber tire.

Seattle Tacoma has over 18 pieces of art in the ticketing level alone.

In Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport has a whole separate annex with free admission to see the permanent and rotating exhibits.

The Virginia Beach Airport isn’t actually a commercial airport, but it’s well worth a visit. That’s because it’s home to the Military Aviation Museum, with one of the largest private collections of World War II and Korean War era aircraft.

If you’re a true enthusiast, most of these airports have exhibit guides that you can download before you leave the house. Hey, you may as well arrive at the airport prepared to kill time!

Get more tips on visiting great cultural institutions in our Museums section.

Find the latest air travel news as well as travel advice in our Airlines & Airports section.

And check out the rest of our Daily Travel Tips here