Arts & Culture
The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority recognizes the importance of art and cultural expression, and as Reno-Tahoe International and Reno-Stead Airports continue to grow and develop, so does the opportunity to establish a dynamic art program that creates memorable experiences for millions of passengers and guests each year. The RTAA strives to engage passengers, enrich the travel experience, and reflect the vibrant culture of the region through all forms of art with the core values of equity, diversity, and inclusion always at the forefront.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport’s art programming, which features permanent works, temporary exhibitions, and performances, in addition to its growing focus on community outreach, highlights the RTAA’s role as a respected arts partner and regional resource.
Art in the Terminal
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Historic Flag Display
The historic display in baggage claim, on permanent loan from the The Olympic Museum, commemorates the 1960 Winter Olympics. The flags represent each nation that competed in the Olympics games held at the prestigious Squaw Valley, which is now more appropriately named Palisades Tahoe.
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Giant Slalom
The “Giant Slalom” bronze sculpture, inspired by the Reno-Tahoe region, welcomes millions of travelers to RNO each year. Dedicated to the airport on February 29, 1996, it became the centerpiece of the main terminal in November 2012. The sculpture by Douglas Van Howd was created as a scholarship project for the University of Nevada, Reno, Ski Teams.
The depARTures Gallery
RNO’s depARTure’s Gallery, located post-security, features rotating exhibits that entertain and inspire. Every 3-4 months, travelers can expect displays of all art forms from local and regional organizations and artists collectives that celebrate the cultural heritage and creative development of northern Nevada. The schedule also includes an annual Employee Art Show, sponsored by the National Arts Program, and a Burning Man-themed exhibit that aligns with the yearly event. The gallery was first launched in 2005, named the Connector Collections Gallery, and moved in 2013 to the C-Concourse hallway where rotating exhibits are visible to more and more travelers every year.
Past Exhibitions
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Story and Art of the Stewart Indian School
We Remember Your Sacrifices, You are Not Forgotten: The Story and Art of Stewart Indian School, November 2022 – February 2023
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14th Annual Employee Art Show
A spectacular display of art made by Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority employees, tenants, or by members of their families, and includes works ranging from paintings, photography, mixed-media, sculpture, and crafts.
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NOW
Experience the present through the eyes of students and alum from the University of Nevada School of the Arts.
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13th Annual Employee Art Show
A spectacular display of art made by Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority employees, tenants, or by members of their families, and includes works ranging from paintings, photography, mixed-media, sculpture, and crafts.
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Live Your Best Exhibit
Emerging from the loneliness of 2020, a social media campaign was born: the “[re]Live Your Best @RNO” contest.
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Propelling Nevada: Community, Heritage, and Economy through the Arts
Art exhibition project between Cultural Alliance Nevada and the Sierra Arts Foundation that featured artwork from all across the great state of Nevada.
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Connections
This exhibit celebrated the connections between faculty and students in the School of the Arts at the University of Nevada, Reno.