Changi Airport features an extensive collection of art, including sculptures, murals, and kinetic installations, spread across its four terminals. These artworks do more than just enhance the aesthetic appeal of the bustling hub; they play a vital role in creating the unique Changi Experience, aiming to alleviate the stress commonly associated with travel.

In addition, art can help to delineate spaces and provide focal points that enhance wayfinding in a huge space like Changi Airport.

(left) The art piece ‘Achievement’ can be viewed in T1 transit, along the ‘D’ gates while (right) ‘Success’ is located some paces aways along the ‘C’ gates.

Standing at almost 5 metres tall and weighing 2000 kilograms, the sculpture named ‘Achievement’ is located at Changi Airport’s Terminal 1 (T1) departure transit along the ‘D’ gates.  It is an abstract depiction of values such as adventurism, movement and innovation. Achievement’s majesty is complemented by its sibling, ‘Success’, located a few paces upstream along the ‘C’ gates. Both sculptures form a pair collectively known as ‘Spirit of Man,’ sculpted by the ‘Grandfather of Singapore Sculpture,’ Dr. Ng Eng Teng.

Daniel Foo, Changi Airport Group’s Art Custodian, shared “Success being more circular in shape and offering a ‘softer’ vibe, was strategically placed at C Pier, a quiet zone with a rest area. On the other hand, Achievement which is more angular and taller, was placed at D Pier. This location allows passengers to use the artwork as a location marker, serving as a gathering point for friends and family before heading to the boarding gates or after disembarking from planes," Daniel explains.

This thoughtful placement of artworks is part of a broader concept known as placemaking. Placemaking actively considers how an artwork interacts with and fits into its surroundings, aiming to create public spaces that offer human experiences beyond being just infrastructure. At Changi Airport, this approach extends to all artworks across the terminals, transforming the airport from a mere transit hub into a vibrant and enriching experience for passengers.

With their shiny gold exteriors, it may be hard for readers to believe that these two art pieces were first installed at Changi Airport some 40 years ago.  

‘Achievement’ (image source: Koresh) and ‘Success’ (image source: File)  seen at their original location in T1 departure hall back in 2007 and 2005 respectively.

In 1984, the two art pieces were first showcased at T1’s departure check-in hall but were moved into storage in 2007 during T1's first major upgrading works. These pieces returned to T1 in 2020, marking their grand reappearance after more than a decade out of the public eye. 

“We decided to reinstall the sculptures in Terminal 1 due to the nostalgia they evoke,” explained Daniel. “In the 1980s, when Terminal 1 was our only terminal, passengers and well-wishers would have seen these towering sculptures in the public area. Many might have even taken photographs of the artworks with their friends and families.”

The ‘Lantern of Duty’ is placed in the garden at T3, near to ST3PS.

Another example of placemaking is the lamppost-like art piece created by Singaporean artist Lee Wei Lieh. Titled ‘Lantern of Duty,’ the artwork was procured by Changi Airport Group in October 2023 as homage to the airport’s frontline workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Made from 33 meticulously handcrafted iridescent face masks, it is meant to symbolise the light and inner strength of frontline workers during the most difficult time in Changi’s history. The art piece is hoisted atop a pole and strategically placed at Terminal 3’s ST3Ps, surrounded by lush foliage and greenery. The shape of the artwork resembles a streetlamp, making it a natural fit for the garden setting compared to a departure hall. 

“The contextualisation of the space was important. With a form like a lamp post, we thought it would be fun to place the artwork within a landscape setting to illicit elements of surprise and fun when encountered. We also aimed to leverage the 2.7m tall sculpture for maximum visibility from various locations. Passengers can view the ‘Lantern of Duty’ from the T3 Departure Check-in Hall and Basement levels 1 and 2,” shared Daniel. 

Whether you're a casual traveller pausing for a quick selfie, or an art enthusiast stopping to appreciate the artwork, the pieces like ‘Spirit of Man’ and ‘Lantern of Duty’ serve as meaningful touchpoints. They enrich passengers' journeys, adding depth and enjoyment to their experience of Changi Airport. 

“Art is everywhere, if you know where to look,” Daniel reflects, “and at Changi, we’ve made sure it’s impossible to miss.”

At Changi Airport, art installations are just one aspect of our myriad attractions. Click here for the full list!