The Aurora, MSP Airport's signature art installation at Terminal 1, is now 
complete and delighting passengers and employees with its colorful, aurora borealis-like patterns.
Fun Fact: The preprogrammed color patterns are tied to live local weather conditions.
Over the past three weeks, artist Jen Lewin and her crew installed and programmed 8,000 LEDs encased in 2,667 hand-blown Edison bulbs, as well as installed the lake forms nestled into the floor of the arrivals level directly below The Aurora. View several short videos of The Aurora installation.
Also now open is the large, centrally-located Information Booth on the Departures (Ticketing) Level, one of many changes to Terminal 1's "front door" experience over the past six years, including:
Departures Level changes
- The construction and expansion of two security screening checkpoints to take the place of six smaller and less efficient checkpoints
- Removal of the "scissor" escalators and installation of a bank of centrally located elevators
- Removal of much of the mezzanine level
- Relocation of the Armed Forces Service Center to Concourse A
- Installation of colorful terrazzo floors meant to represent the waters of Minnesota
- Installation of new interactive digital directories and flight information screens
- Updates to airline ticket counters and installation of digital airline pendant signs
- New centrally located restrooms
Arrivals Level changes
- Demolition of old and construction of new, larger capacity baggage carousels
- Installation of a new automated security exit on the south end
- Addition of comfortable seating areas
- Improvements to lighting and customer amenities along the roadway, including a new pet relief area and smoking shelter
- New centrally located restrooms
Tram Level changes
- Remodel of the Valet Parking lobby and vehicle thoroughfare
- Expansion of the Information Booth
- Upgrades to the Delta check-in desks.
- Updated wayfinding signage and passenger flow changes to accommodate the new escalator and elevator locations.
The space behind The Aurora will eventually include comfortable seating areas and a place to purchase food and beverages and other essential items.
