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Houston airport's massive new art installation celebrates Texas flowers

Dale Chihuly glass art installation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport IAH

Here's a first look at Dale Chihuly's beautiful new art installation at IAH.

Photo courtesy of Houston Airports

Holiday travel in Houston just got brighter. A gargantuan new art installation will welcome flyers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

The piece is called Coastal Prairie Fiori. Inspired by the famous wildflowers of the Texas coastal plains, the construction is made up of 537 colorful, hand-blown glass elements and stretches nearly a third of a football field over the 17-lane TSA screening area in the new International Central Processor (ICP). Suspended on five custom armatures, the piece adds both color and a sense of adventure to flying to and from the city.

Coastal Prairie Fiori is the work of Dale Chihuly, arguably America’s best-known glass artist. He started working with the material in the 1960s during a weaving class, working shards into tapestries. Chihuly then moved into glassblowing, growing in expertise in the art even after being blinded in the left eye in a 1973 car crash. In the last several years, he has been specializing in airport installations, including Denver International Airport (DEN) and Will Rogers Airport (WRWA) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

“The way an installation interacts with a space — its light, dimensions, energy — is important to me as an artist,” Chihuly said in a statement. “The relationship between art and its environment is key. Coastal Prairie Fiori embodies that relationship; it’s hundreds of elements, when combined with the natural light that pours in through Bush Airport’s atrium, transforms the space. The way this shifting light interacts with the glass is incredibly dynamic.”

The ICP checkpoint will be fully operational by summer 2025.

Chihuly’s installation is the latest in Houston Airports’ commitment to enriching the travel hubs with various art. In February, Houston Airports installed two art cars in IAH and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). These cars honored famous Texas musician Stevie Ray Vaughan and the legendary late singer of Queen, Freddie Mercury. The airports have increasingly become a space to display the work of artist both local and international as travelers pass through.

“The installation of Coastal Prairie Fiori represents our commitment to enhancing the international passenger experience through art that captures Houston’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy,” says Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “As a key part of our larger IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program, the new International Central Processor provides an ideal space to showcase this impressive installation, which we hope will inspire and captivate travelers from around the world.”

The Houston Airport System is renowned for its art, winning World's Best Art in the Airport from Airport by Skytrax in 2023 and 2024. Both Bush and Hobby were highlighted in the award for having exceptional art displays that celebrated Texas culture.

all routes lead to rome

New nonstop flight connects Houston with Rome for the first time

Photo courtest of Houston Airports

Houston Mayor John Whitmire listens as Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, discusses the addition of ITA Airways at IAH.

Thinking of a Roman holiday? The good news for Houstonians is that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will begin offering direct, nonstop flights to Rome starting next spring. It will be the first time IAH and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Fiumicino, Italy have connected nonstop.

“We welcome ITA Airways to Houston, as it reflects our city's prominence on the global stage," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire in a press conference held on Tuesday, December 2. "The first ever route between Houston and Rome will strengthen our business, diplomatic, and cultural ties with Italy. It will also bring more visitors to experience Houston's vibrant culture, world-class healthcare, and diverse industries."

Starting May 1, 2026, ITA Airways will offer three flights a week between Houston and Rome, expanding to five flights a week beginning June 1. Houston is ITA's ninth North American destination.

“Nonstop service to Rome is a defining moment for Houston and a direct result of the strength and credibility of our airport system. This route will bring new visitors, new investment, and new business opportunities into our region,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “It expands Houston’s presence in Europe and proves that disciplined, strategic growth at Houston Airports delivers measurable economic impact. Strong airports don’t just move people. They shape markets, expand opportunity and help define a city’s place in the world.”

Flights will be made via a Airbus A330-900. The model is renowned for its comfort on long flights, including ergonomic seats, ample personal space, and a quiet cabin. Appropriately, many of the interior cabin components are made in Italy and reflect an elegant European design.

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta, currently serving as America's ambassador to Italy, also welcomed the new route that connects his hometown with his current job.

“As a Texan and as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, I’m thrilled by ITA’s new direct route between Houston and Rome," Fertitta said. "It strengthens the economic links that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity. It was great working with ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart, Mayor John Whitmire, and all the partners that helped make this possible.”

The new route to Rome continues the international expansion that has been happening at IAH over the last several years. Last year, the airport announced new non-stop flights to recent vacation hotspot, Puerto Escondido, Mexico. It was part of Houston Airports' goal of making Houston the gateway to America ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Now, it looks like IAH will be welcoming Italian soccer fans, as the routes open up just in time for the sports event next summer.

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