At most airports, passengers are preoccupied with gate numbers, boarding calls, and the race to catch their flights. But in Houston, layovers have taken on a refreshing new twist, offering travelers a chance to immerse themselves in an unexpected world of creative flair. A collaboration now in its second year between Houston Airports and the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art is turning airport terminals into dynamic showcases of artistic expression, where the journey itself becomes just as captivating as the destination.

Located at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), this unique partnership introduces travelers to a whimsical sight unlike anything they might encounter at other airports: Art Cars. These eye-catching, rhinestone-encrusted vehicles are more than just modes of transport—they are mobile pieces of art that embody Houston’s imaginative, out-of-the-box culture.

With each new season, the installations evolve. Currently, at Terminal A’s ticketing area in Bush Airport, passengers can enjoy “Karmadillo,” a one-of-a-kind creation by artist Rebecca Bass. This armadillo-inspired vehicle is a seamless fusion of sculpture and car, inviting viewers to reflect on the boundaries between art and everyday life. Meanwhile, at Hobby Airport, the vibrant “Fruitmobile” by artist Jackie Harris adds a playful touch of nostalgia with its bold colors and cheerful design.

“These Art Cars instantly change the energy of a space,” said Alton DuLaney, curator of public art for Houston Airports. “Passengers stop in their tracks. Kids smile. People take photos and share them. That’s the power of public art—it connects people, even in a busy airport environment.”

In an era when many airports blend together in their uniformity, these Art Cars serve as a bold reminder that Houston is a city that values creativity and originality. They offer an experience that elevates the mundane act of travel into a celebration of local culture and artistic innovation. For travelers passing through, the message is clear: in Houston, every moment of the journey is an opportunity to be inspired.

Each vehicle is a veteran of Houston’s world-famous Art Car Parade, the largest of its kind. By displaying these cars year-round, Houston Airports and the Orange Show invite visitors to engage with the city’s creative culture from the moment they arrive. “Whether you’re a traveler passing through or a loved one picking someone up, you’re greeted with art that’s uniquely Houston,” DuLaney said. “It’s a joyful, memorable experience—and a great introduction to our city.”