Three enormous, motorized ring sculptures will soon adorn the check-in hall of Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport, creating a spectacular art installation for travelers starting in April 2026. Each sculpture weighs between one and three tons and will be suspended from the 18-meter-high ceiling of the terminal's check-in area.
The extraordinary art installation, titled "The First, the Last, Eternity," was developed by internationally renowned artist Julius von Bismarck in collaboration with Fraport AG, the airport operator. The sculptures, known as "Tori," feature diameters ranging from three to seven meters and are constructed with 636 colored aluminum discs that move mechanically to display various surface structures, including topographical representations of Earth.
Julius von Bismarck, born in 1983, explained his artistic concept by stating that "human imagination has always been limited and will always remain so, but this boundary can shift." The artist, who studied at the Institute for Spatial Experiments founded by Ólafur Elíasson, specializes in exploring the boundaries of human perception through his innovative works.
Following the official opening of Terminal 3 on April 22, 2026, both travelers and visitors will be able to view the constantly changing installation free of charge. The dynamic nature of the sculptures means that the visual experience will continuously evolve, offering something new for repeat viewers.
Fraport CEO Stefan Schulte emphasized the significance of this artistic addition, stating that "the art installation underscores our commitment to further developing Frankfurt Airport as an intercontinental hub for global air traffic." The decision to select von Bismarck for this prestigious project came after a multi-stage internal selection process that took place approximately two years ago.
This remarkable installation represents a unique fusion of cutting-edge technology and artistic vision, transforming what could be a routine travel experience into an engaging cultural encounter. The Terminal 3 art installation is expected to become a distinctive feature that sets Frankfurt Airport apart as both a transportation hub and a destination for art appreciation.
