New airport exhibit features historic artifacts, highlights key moments in IND’s past
Historical display located in Ticketing Hall at entrance to Civic Plaza
INDIANAPOLIS – A new custom glass art exhibit highlighting milestone dates in the long history of the airport that is today known as the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) has been installed in the Weir Cook Memorial Terminal. Incorporating actual artifacts from the airport’s past, the exhibit stands approximately 12 feet tall and 30 feet wide and is comprised of six panels that are half-inch-deep etched tempered glass with polished edges all framed by a minimal stainless steel frame. The display is located in the Ticketing Hall near the entrance to Civic Plaza by the Guest Services counter.
The angled glass structure allows the exhibit elements and historical artifacts to appear suspended within the display, creating a floating effect. This unique medium allows for a combination of text, etched artwork, and photographic images on both sides of the glass. The exhibit angles back toward the concourse's limestone wall, allowing it to be easily viewed by airport visitors as they walk from the ticketing area.
Some of the historical pieces “suspended” within the artwork include dedication plaques and architectural drawings from the airport’s first terminal in 1931. Ghosted photographic images of Col. Weir Cook are integrated in the display, along with an impressive etched glass image of a WWI Spad fighter plane, as flown by Col. Weir Cook
Harvey Weir Cook was an American fighter ace in World War I and Distinguished Service Cross recipient. He was also a pioneer in civilian commercial aviation and a leading figure in the development of aviation. Cook was a pioneer in bringing Indianapolis its first principal airport, Indianapolis Municipal Airport, which opened in Indianapolis in 1931.
“Our guests will enjoy this tribute to IND’s legacy, especially its unique presentation of fascinating elements from the airport’s past,” said Michael Wells, president of the Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) board.
“As we remain focused on the future and how IND can continue growing the value it creates for Central Indiana, we are also reminded of what we’ve achieved together in the past,” said IAA Executive Director Mario Rodriguez. “This display helps paint a compelling picture of that legacy, which has resulted in an airport that today not only keeps our community globally connected but is a key economic engine for the region, generating an economic impact of more than $4.5 billion per year.”
“This exhibit highlights some moments of a past that formed the foundation of what has become North America’s best airport for passenger service quality and one of the world’s largest cargo hubs,” said Robert Duncan, deputy executive director for the IAA. “It will serve as a fitting reminder of the hard work of IAA employees and our community through the years to make the airport what it is today.”
The exhibit was designed to integrate seamlessly within the airport terminal’s existing architectural elements and will become a permanent structure at the IND terminal. The design was created by Tony Murcia of Indianapolis-based HendrixRaderWise, with planning assistance from Axis Architecture, and executed by GRT Glass Design of Indianapolis.
Officially opening in 1931 as Indianapolis Municipal Airport, the IND campus has grown from a 21,000-square-foot terminal on 400 acres to today’s campus, which sits on nearly 8,000 acres and includes a new, world-class, 1.2-million-square-foot terminal that has helped IND earn the honor of Best Airport in North America three times since beginning operations in 2008.
About the Indianapolis Airport Authority
The Indianapolis Airport Authority owns and operates Indiana’s largest airport system. In addition to the Indianapolis International Airport, its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport, Indianapolis Regional Airport, and Metropolitan Airport. IND has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing it as a leader within its class, including best airport in North America in 2010, 2012, and 2013 in Airports Council International’s annual Airport Service Quality awards. IND is the first airport in the U.S. to win LEED® certification for an entire terminal campus, and the airport has won additional recognition for excellent customer service, concessions programs, and art and architecture.
IND generates an annual economic impact in Central Indiana of more than $4.5 billion, without relying on state or local taxes to fund its operations. About 10,000 people work at the airport each day. IND serves more than 7 million business and leisure travelers each year, and averages 133 daily flights to 35 nonstop destinations. Home of the world's second-largest FedEx Express operation and the nation’s eighth-largest cargo facility, IND is committed to becoming the airport system of choice for both passenger and cargo service. For more information, visit IND’s Facebook page at Indianapolis International Airport and Twitter page at @INDairport.