Carybé Murals - South Terminal - Photo by Miami-Dade Aviation Dpt.

Hector Julio Paride Bernabo - Carybé

 , level 2

Open to the public June 2009

American Airlines, Odebrecht and the Miami-Dade Aviation Department have partnered to bring a Latin American art treasure to Miami International Airport. The partnership will result in one of the most important contributions to Miami-Dade County, bringing the art of Brazilian artist Carybé to the Gateway of the Americas.

The Carybé murals, two of the most iconic public artworks in the U.S. aviation sector, had been on display in the American Airlines terminal at JFK Airport in New York. Originally installed in 1960, the murals were the result of a competition in which Carybé won first and second prizes. Massive in their scale, the site-specific works for the JFK Terminal were 16.5 x 53 feet each.

After learning about the demolition of the terminal, Odebrecht, a Brazilian company with strong ties to Carybé, began an initiative to salvage the artist’s murals through a partnership with American Airlines.

American Airlines has donated the murals to Miami-Dade County and Odebrecht has invested in a project to remove, restore, transport and install the murals at Miami International Airport. When conservators in New York complete the restoration process in 2009, the murals will be on permanent display at MIA’s new South Terminal, built by Odebrecht in a joint venture.

Reflecting Miami’s diverse culture, Carybé’s art in many ways captures the city’s multi-ethnic flavor. His art is infused with the vibrant colors, rich culture and mystic religious traditions of Bahia, Brazil.

Carybé’s celebration of life and respect for cultural diversity are qualities he shares with the Miami community, making MIA the perfect home for his murals.

For more information, please contact the Division of Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs at 305-876-0749.

View a brief video on the relocation and restoration of the Carybé murals.