Although airports
may not exactly be the subject of fun, some travelers may be surprised at what they may find. With an industry that has undoubtedly bounced back since a worldwide pandemic, record-breaking passenger numbers make it seem as if the peak period of travel is year-round. However, some airports have quirky attractions and finds that can keep passengers entertained, or just make their overall experience enjoyable. From real animals to animal sculptures, or robots and movie theaters, there are several elements unique to each airport – and travelers can find them, only if they look.
The average person is likely to dread a layover, especially if it is long. Many frequent flyers may resort to their favorite airport lounge –thanks to an often expensive membership fee or their status – but some post-security attractions outside lounges
are sure to keep passengers on their toes. These can enhance the journey for all passengers and do not break the wallet, as most are free of charge. In other cases, they may promote a relaxed environment for anyone who suffers from anxiety.
Here are just five entertaining and enjoyable attractions that you might not find at every airport:
1
Hollywood Theater & Therapy Llamas
Portland, Oregon
Going to the movies has been a common American pastime for decades. While some may think it is impossible to have such an experience at an airport,
Portland International Airport (PDX)
debunks that myth. The airport has its own Hollywood Theater, where travelers can sit and relax as if they were in a theater in their hometown.
Photo: The Hollywood Theater
According to Atlas Obscura, the theater is located in Concourse C and represents a slice of Portland’s history:
- Has 22 seats
- Situated between gates C11 and C13
- Admission is free
- Opened in 2017
- Resembles the actual full-sized Hollywood Theater, which is about five miles away from the airport and opened in 1926
PDX’s Hollywood Theater understandably does not feature full-length films as they are often too long for the average layover. Instead, the theater rotates a slate of locally made short films. The airport accepts submissions for short films and documentaries to be shown at the non-profit theater.
Another unique element to PDX is live animals. Believe it or not, llamas and alpacas regularly visit the airport to provide therapy to passengers. Although travelers may be initially surprised to see the unusual animals, Allison Ferre, PDX’s media relations manager, said travelers commonly have a joyful expression, according to PEOPLE Magazine.
“It’s just pure joy. “Travelers’ faces say it best.”
Photo: Rojo the Llama
The animals visit the airport about twice a month, adding to its existing rotation of emotional support dogs.
2
Fraley’s Robot Repair
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
When was the last time you saw something straight out of the 1950s at an airport? Travelers passing through
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
can say they have if they did not miss Fraley’s Robot Repair shop. The retrofuturistic display features an electric blue interior, complementing dozens of disassembled robots dangling with their wires exposed. Some robots appear to have the same look or characteristics as Rodney Copperbottom and the other robots seen in the 2005 American animated science fiction adventure comedy film Robots.
Other features include:
- Resembles a midcentury electronics repair shop
- Futuristic inventions such as typewriters and chunky red telephones
- X-ray displays
- Robot Repair Manual
- An emergency RAN kit (Robot Apprehension Net)
Although the attraction mimics a repair shop, none of the artifacts are for sale, and no robots can actually be fixed at the store. It was created by artist Toby Fraley, who regularly rearranges the storefront for passengers’ viewing enjoyment, according to Atlas Obscura.
3
McNamara Terminal Light Tunnel
Detroit, Michigan
A 700-foot corridor at
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
offers an exhilarating and colorful walking journey between concourses. The underground McNamara Terminal light tunnel is lit along the entire length of its ceiling and walls with LED lights.
Photo: Carolina K. Smith MD | Shutterstock
It connects Concourse A with Concourses B and C and is undoubtedly a visual treat:
- The lights smoothly transition through a spectrum of colors
- Sculpted glass panels on the walls have abstract and flowing patterns to resemble rivers and other topographic features that can be seen from the air
- The tunnel has two moving walkways on each side, allowing for swifter transport
4
Blue Mustang
Denver, Colorado
With Halloween right around the corner, some passengers visiting
Denver International Airport (DEN)
for the first time may be in for a spooky surprise. Although this attraction is not located inside the terminal, DEN’s Blue Mustang is no doubt a stunner and is difficult to ignore. According to CPR News, the large blue horse sculpture with haunting red eyes is commonly referred to as “Blucifer”:
- It towers at 32 feet over Peña Boulevard
- Installed in 2008
- Made of fiberglass
- Seen as a “protector of travelers, guarding this airport,” according to DEN’s Senior Vice President of Communications, Stacey Stegman
Photo: Denver International Airport
Although the Blue Mustang is a symbol of pride at DEN, its dark side leads some to believe that the sculpture is cursed. Luis Jiménez, the man who created the horse, unfortunately died in 2006 when part of it came apart. It severed an artery in his leg, and he bled to death. It is not exactly clear why Jiménez decided to create the Mustang in the first place.
5
Prince Pop-Up
Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota
A popular pop-up shop paying tribute to the late Prince can be visited at
Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
. Although several travelers likely see the Mississippi River during their approach to the airport or visit the nearby Mall of America, the Prince pop-up shop is an attraction not to miss:
- The interior celebrates the pop icon and his career with music videos and artwork
- Travelers can purchase merchandise, including apparel, books, CDs, and vinyl records
- Tickets to tour Paisley Park, Prince’s former home in Chanhassen, Minnesota, are available for sale
Photo: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport
Prince was a Minneapolis local and is known as one of the greatest musicians in the world. He died in 2016.