Jet Age Models at SFO

In early June I found myself at the newly remodeled Terminal 2 at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). After spending some time there and in the International Terminal, SFO is now my favorite airport.

Beyond security, the high ceilings coupled with the tall windows create a fantastic viewing experience for aviation aficionados. If your attention is drawn inward, the vast open vertical and horizontal spaces coupled with displays of art and sculpture celebrates your individuality. I can easily imagine intentionally arriving hours before flight time to enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants artfully positioned throughout the gate area. I compare the feeling at SFO with what is evoked at airport terminals with lower ceilings and carpeted, crowded corridors and food courts. Well, there is no comparison.

What is laudable about the San Francisco Airport Commission is their dedication to humanizing the airport environment as well as celebrating art and culture. Back in 1980 they created what is now the SFO Museum to accomplish this. The Museum is responsible for over twenty galleries throughout the airport terminals.

The Museum’s epicenter can be found in the International Terminal, which was opened in 2000. It includes a display area as well as the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Library. The library houses a permanent collection of objects related to the history of commercial air transport. It provides research services to the public.

By all means, check out the current exhibit in the museum:  Jet Age Models, featuring models from the collection of Anthony Lawler. The models represent the first three decades of the jet age in commercial aviation.

Anthony has contributed to a number of SFO Museum exhibitions in the past. He has impeccable taste and one of the most discriminating collections of model aircraft in the world.

Make the effort to see this exhibit. It is at the SFO Museum through October 2014.