When most travelers think about airport activities, exploring world-class art probably isnt the first thing that comes to mind. But at Chicago OHare (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW), thats exactly whats waiting.

Together, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) maintain a stunning public art collection spanning both airports, featuring works by more than 30 diverse international, national, and local artists across more than 70 permanent installations. Rotating exhibitions keep the experience fresh on every visit.

So, visitors should keep their eyes open upon arrival — the artwork is impressive, and its one more way Chicagos airports set the tone before travelers even reach downtown.

Here are some cant-miss highlights to look for on a trip through Chicago.

The Dino in Chicago OHare International AirportOHare International AirportThe Dino, OHare Terminal 1

Near Gate B8 sits one of the most beloved airport residents in the country: a 72-foot-long, four-story cast of a Brachiosaurus skeleton on loan from the Field Museum. See which Chicago team shes repping in her seasonal sports jersey.

Skys the Limit, OHares disco tunnel

Connecting Concourses B and C, this 744-foot-long kinetic neon sculpture by Michael Hayden wraps travelers in waves of color set to music of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” — a luminous experience thats mesmerized passengers for nearly four decades.

REACH in Chicago OHare International AirportREACH, OHares Multi-Modal Facility

Look up in the North Escalator Hall for REACH, a monumental sculpture by Hank Willis Thomas and Coby Kennedy. Two iridescent arms, roughly 27 and 31 feet long, extend overhead like a gesture of welcome.

And theres more at OHare

The art at OHare goes far beyond what’s covered here. Terminal 2 honors aviator Bessie Coleman alongside a portrait series celebrating senior military veterans. In Terminal 5, look for Skywalkers by Wills Glasspiegel and Push Pull by Faheem Majeed.

Rara Avis in Midway International AirportMidway International AirportRara Avis, Midway Ticketing Lobby

Thousands of hanging pewter aircraft elements form the image of a cardinal, which is Illinois state bird. This 13-foot sculpture by Ralph Helmick and Stuart Schecter is a fusion of natural and manmade flight.

South Side Pride mural, Midway pedway

Spanning 13,600 square feet, the Zissou Tasseff-Elenkoff mural celebrates Chicago White Sox baseball history on the walk to the CTA Orange Line, making for a quintessentially Chicago send-off.

Battle of Midway Memorial, Concourse A Hall

One of the airports most visited attractions, this exhibit honors the namesake battle through photographs, personal narratives, and a Douglas SBD Dauntless aircraft suspended overhead.

And theres more at Midway

Dont miss Dawoud Beys Chicago Couples murals celebrating neighborhood diversity, or Bob Thalls photographic series capturing the Chicago River through the Loop.

Whether connecting through ORD or departing from MDW, build in a few extra minutes to look around. Explore the full collections at OHare and Midway.