Pittsburgh International Airport Celebrates Artistic Transformation with Patrick Marold’s Open Columns

Pittsburgh International Airport is marking a significant milestone with the final installation of a captivating artwork that forms part of its ambitious Art in the Airport initiative. This new installation by renowned artist Patrick Marold introduces a stunning visual gateway for international travelers.

Open Columns, the title of the installation, consists of three monumental steel structures that grace the area between the Terminal Garage and the new terminal. These impressive columns soar between 20 to 40 feet high, establishing a dynamic interplay between art and architecture while harmonizing with the natural surroundings.

A compelling aspect of Open Columns is the immersive experience it offers. As visitors enter the columns, they can look skyward through the openings, where reflective metal bands cast ever-changing patterns of light and shadow. This design transformation creates an enchanting blend of sculpture and sky, eliminating boundaries and inviting passengers into a world where artistic expression and environment coexist harmoniously.

Marold expressed his excitement about being part of Pittsburgh International Airport’s evolution, stating, “It is thrilling to have an installation at Pittsburgh International Airport, especially as it completes major construction.” This sentiment reflects the importance of art as a transformative force in public spaces, enhancing both the aesthetic and emotional experience of travelers.

The installation of Open Columns transcends mere decoration; it symbolizes connection, welcome, and discovery in a broader context. Following the opening of the new terminal in November 2025, this artwork will solidify the airport’s identity as a cultural gateway, presenting millions of visitors with a glimpse of Pittsburgh’s rich artistic heritage and vibrant identity.

The unveiling of Open Columns is part of a larger, visionary plan to integrate art into the architecture and overall passenger experience of the terminal. Pittsburgh International Airport brought in a diverse group of artists from around the world to develop unique, site-specific artworks that resonate with the region’s history, innovation, and cultural character. A total of 16 talented artists were commissioned for this project, each contributing their unique perspectives to strengthen the connection between travelers and the spirit of Pittsburgh.

Constructed from weathering steel and stainless steel, the distinctive columns hold significant meaning connected to Pittsburgh’s industrial legacy. Weathering steel, also known as Corten steel, has played a crucial role in the region’s architectural landscape for over a century, prominently featured in celebrated structures like the U.S. Steel Building in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Together, the columns embody various viewpoints and journeys, capturing the hues, shapes, and textures prevalent within the surrounding landscapes. They reflect Pittsburgh’s historical prowess in manufacturing, engineering, and construction while also celebrating the city’s ongoing evolution as a center for creativity and innovation.

Keny Marshall, the airport’s Arts and Culture Manager, articulated how Open Columns embodies the terminal’s holistic design vision, termed NaTeCo, representing nature, technology, and community. This philosophy has guided the terminal’s development, ensuring that each element reflects natural beauty, technological advances, and the local community’s identity throughout the airport environment.

Marshall elaborated, “Open Columns’ deployment of weathering steel and polished stainless steel artfully melds the region’s history with contemporary technology in a reflective environment. The newly designed terminal stands as a vibrant destination for both travelers and community members alike.”

As travelers navigate beneath Open Columns, they are treated to the ultimate expression of a well-crafted creative vision, where public art and modern infrastructure seamlessly combine. This installation transforms the airport experience, ensuring that every arrival and departure from Pittsburgh is imbued with a sense of inspiration and discovery.

Notably, Open Columns marks Marold’s fourth large-scale airport installation, demonstrating his passion for creating monumental pieces that elevate travel experiences and foster connections through meaningful artistic engagements.

“Air travel is incredibly inspiring,” he noted. “I always aim for a window seat to absorb the changing landscapes below. Looking through the columns resembles glancing out of an airplane window, and I hope it evokes the same sense of wonder I experience when flying.”

In an ongoing effort to cultivate the airport’s cultural persona, Pittsburgh International Airport has embraced a permanent collection of artworks specifically designed for its growing public art program. The Art in the Airport initiative constitutes a unique enhancement to the passenger experience, presenting artworks across 30 distinct locations within the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) campus. Most of these pieces were crafted by gifted artists from the Pittsburgh area, showcasing the local creative community’s talents.

This latest artistic addition signifies a broader commitment to interweaving art throughout the airport as it continues to modernize. Encompassing major installations, interactive pieces, and curated exhibitions, the expanded collection honors the region’s rich industrial past while spotlighting its growing reputation as a contemporary hub for creativity and design.

By prioritizing collaborations with local artists, PIT is cultivating an airport experience that reflects the essence of Pittsburgh itself. This initiative aims to create a destination shaped by community input, highlighting local culture, and offering travelers a true sense of the city’s character, history, and artistic vibrancy from their very first steps.

Patrick Marold’s artistic journey spans over 20 years, focusing on the intersection of art, landscape, and infrastructure. After earning a degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, his work has largely revolved around natural settings and large-scale public installations. His notable projects include the acclaimed seven-acre Shadow Array at Denver International Airport and the sky and sound artwork Solar Drones located at Canada’s National Music Centre.

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