Historic artifacts and photos honor the founder of Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Opa-locka

MARCH 25, 2026 – (MIAMI, FL.)– Miami International Airport is celebrating the centennial anniversaries of neighboring cities Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Opa-locka, and the legacy of their founder, aviation pioneer and land developer Glenn H. Curtiss (1878–1930), with its newest exhibition, Master of the Air, Builder of Dreams: Glenn Curtiss in South Florida.

Now open through August in MIA’s Concourse J Mezzanine Gallery on the 4^th floor, 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 can 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 that document Curtiss and the communities he was involved in founding; his early life in South Florida; and his business ventures such as flight schools, travel trailers, and a movie studio.

I’m thrilled to see this exhibit on display at MIA, to honor the legacy of Glenn Curtiss and the centennial anniversaries of Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Opa-locka – three of Miami-Dade County’s most historic and influential cities. This impressive collection of archives from Miami-Dade County’s past 100 years also supports our local celebration of America’s 250^th anniversary. 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.

Curated by aviation historian Richard Leisenring, Miami Springs historian Ken Wilde, and Opa-locka Preservation Association Founder Alex Van Mecl, 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. The monument will be unveiled this August in conjunction with Miami Springs’ centennial anniversary on August 23, to honor Curtiss’ innovation, courage, and imagination.

The exhibition was made possible with the generous support and collaboration of the cities of Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Opa-locka, the Curtiss Mansion, the Miami Springs Historical Society, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation.  

MIA Galleries, established in 1996, is managed by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department’s Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs Division. Its mission is to enhance the travel environment by presenting exhibitions and showcasing works that celebrate the rich culture, diverse landscape, and artistic resources of the local community. MIA Galleries aims to elevate the passenger experience by curating a visually stimulating atmosphere that is contemporary, thought-provoking, and reflective of the cultural depth and creativity of the South Florida region.

Miami International Airport, America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $12 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 business revenue of $181 billion 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 305-876-7747 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).

URL : https://news.miami-airport.com/new-mia-exhibit-celebrates-aviation-pioneer-glenn-curtiss/