FEBRUARY 17, 2026 – Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and other local government leaders gathered at Miami International Airport to unveil a new wall mural honoring pioneering aviator and land developer Glenn Curtiss, who founded the cities of Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Opa-locka – each currently celebrating centennial anniversaries.

In partnership with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and other local cultural organizations, From Wings to Cities: The Vision of Glenn Curtiss, is now on display through April 1, 2026, at MIA’s Connecting Communities Wall on the arrivals level near door 11. The mural features historic images and milestones of each city over the past 100 years.

I’m thrilled to see this mural on display at MIA, honoring the legacy of Glenn Curtiss and the centennial anniversaries of Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Opa-locka. As MIA continues its transformation, installations like this reflect our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience by showcasing the unique culture and history of Miami-Dade County from the moment visitors arrive.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

Long before Miami-Dade County became a global gateway, Curtiss imagined communities built around innovation, mobility, and modern living – where aviation would redefine how people connected to place and to one another. Working with fellow pioneers, Curtiss played a defining role in founding Hialeah in 1925 and Miami Springs and Opa-locka in 1926.

Each reflects a different expression of his ambition and belief in planned communities designed for the future. Hialeah, envisioned as “The City of Progress,” has grown into a dynamic center of industry and culture, shaped in large part by its immigrant community. Opa-locka captured the imagination through its Moorish Revival style and Arabian Nights–inspired identity, making it one of the most distinctively planned cities in the nation. Miami Springs emerged as a carefully designed residential oasis, known for its Pueblo Revival architecture and human-scale charm.

Miami International Airport, America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $9 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades. MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating $181 billion in business revenue and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida annually.

To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office in 305-869-1859 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).