Have you ever seen a flying fish? The Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport is adorned with them. A stunning frieze of yellow flying fish against a backdrop of blue waves encircles this Art Deco masterpiece.
The Marine Air Terminal isn’t just any airport terminal. It’s a living piece of aviation history. Originally built in 1940 it was designed by William Delano of Delano & Aldrich. It was constructed to handle Pan Am’s fleet of Boeing 314 Clippers. These magnificent flying boats landed on Bowery Bay. They carried passengers on luxurious transatlantic flights. Imagine the glamour. Dining rooms private compartments and sleeping sections awaited passengers.
The Marine Air Terminal was LaGuardia’s first terminal for overseas flights. In the 1940s LaGuardia was the only major US airport with regular flights to Europe. The terminal’s popularity soared. This era ended with the advent of World War II. Technological advancements made the Clippers obsolete. The Marine Air Terminal was renovated in 1946. It now accommodated conventional planes.
But the story doesn’t end there. Inside the Marine Air Terminal’s rotunda hangs a remarkable mural. It’s called Flight. James Brooks painted this massive artwork in 1942. It depicts the history of human flight. From Icarus’s tragic fall to the Wright brothers’ first flight. This mural was later painted over in 1952. Then it was rediscovered and restored. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of this iconic building.
The Marine Air Terminal has seen many changes throughout its life. It served as a general aviation terminal. It housed the Pan Am Shuttle and later the Delta Shuttle. Today Spirit Airlines uses the terminal for its flights. It’s a landmark. It’s a reminder of New York City’s rich aviation past. The Marine Air Terminal stands as a symbol of innovation. It’s a testament to the enduring power of design and engineering. Step inside and experience this incredible piece of history for yourself.