Mezzanine Gallery

International Arrivals, Terminal J, 4th floor.

 

Master of the Air, Builder of Dreams: Glenn Curtiss in South Florida

 

March 25 – August 31, 2026

 

Miami International Airport is proud to present an exhibition celebrating the remarkable legacy of Glenn H. Curtiss (1878–1930)—a visionary entrepreneur, aviation and motorcycle pioneer, and influential land developer. Curtiss played a pivotal role in founding three major cities near the airport: Miami Springs, Hialeah, and Opa-locka.

 

Master of the Air, Builder of Dreams: Glenn Curtiss in South Florida celebrates the 100th anniversary of these historic cities and presents the life and vision of Glenn H. Curtiss. Curated by Richard Leisenring, Ken Wilde, and Alex Van Mecl, the exhibit highlights Curtiss' transformative role and impact on the region and the flourishing aviation industry that emerged during the cities’ land boom of the 1920s. Visitors will navigate through six thematic displays that weave together the narrative of Curtiss' innovative spirit and influence through a collection of loaned original artifacts, photographs, and scaled models of important objects related to Curtiss and the communities he was involved in founding; his early life and time in South Florida; as well as the future businesses he introduced, such as flights schools, travel trailers, and a movie studio. The exhibition also features a scaled model of the Glenn Curtiss and June Bug Legacy Memorial monument, an upcoming landmark in Miami Springs by local artist Natalie Plasencia, to be unveiled in August 2026 in conjunction with Miami Springs' centennial anniversary, honoring the innovation, courage, and imagination of the important trailblazer.

 

This exhibition would not have been possible without the generous support and collaboration of the City of Miami Springs, the City of Opa-locka, the City of Hialeah, the Curtiss Mansion, the Miami Springs Historical Society, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation. Their dedication and contributions have been instrumental in honoring the enduring legacy of Glenn H. Curtiss and celebrating the rich history of our community.

 

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