How did this gem of art and architecture land in Gander, N.L.?

Gander International Airport in northeastern Newfoundland may seem out of the way, but it was once dubbed "the crossroads of the world." 

This airport played a vital role during the golden age of aviation as travellers from every corner of the globe converged there. It was a glamorous stopover for world leaders, Hollywood stars and everyday adventurers — many of whom were met by the modernist sophistication of the Gander International Airport Departures Lounge. 

For many visitors, the lounge was their first — and sometimes only — exposure to Canada. Through its art and architecture, they were offered a window into the nation's vibrant character and culture. 

Entering the lounge today feels like stepping into a scene from Mad Men. The room features clusters of sleek chairs in circular seating arrangements, ideal for meeting up with fellow travellers. The floor's colour scheme — a calming blend of oranges, reds and hints of green — is beautifully complemented by warm wood accents, yellow highlights and a striking blue wall. Minimalist metal clocks on the wall display the times in Gander, Moscow, New York, Montreal and London. It is a serene yet stylish atmosphere, perfect for relaxing before a flight.

The lounge now serves as a time capsule, a perfectly preserved moment from when air travel was exotic and glamorous. The National Trust for Canada has called it the "most important modernist room in Canada." So how did this gem of art and design end up in an airport that's seemingly so off the beaten path? 

Even before the airport opened, the island of Newfoundland served as the launch pad for pioneering transatlantic pilots like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh. As the easternmost point in North America, it was the logical jump-off for those daring enough to cross the Atlantic. Gander's airport opened in 1938, and within just a few years, it became the largest airport in the world. During the Second World War, while Newfoundland was still a dominion of Britain, Gander's strategic importance soared even higher when it was transformed into a major staging point for Allied aircraft heading to Europe.

But Gander International Airport wasn't just significant for aviation; it also played a pivotal role in shaping artistic and historical narratives of the 20th century. In the post-war years, Gander became an essential refuelling stop for transatlantic flights. Opened in 1959, the airport's sleek, modernist international departures lounge epitomized the glamour of mid-century air travel and was a bustling meeting point for celebrities and dignitaries. Winston Churchill, Leonard Cohen, Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Fidel Castro, Queen Elizabeth II and Marlene Dietrich were just a few of the illustrious figures who passed through Gander during its heyday.

The design of the departures lounge was propelled by a nationwide increase in mural painting and public art events focusing on the common person and the value of art in everyday life. Following the Massey Report in 1951, the Canadian government embraced modernism as a recognizable national identity. The report was a groundbreaking call to action for federal support of diverse cultural activities. Its recommendations led to the establishment of key cultural institutions such as the National Library of Canada (now Library and Archives Canada) and the Canada Council for the Arts, secured federal aid for universities and championed the preservation of Canada's historic sites. It marked a major effort to foster Canadian culture.

Gander became the first in a series of nationwide airport renovations following the Massey Commission's assessment — an attempt to convey what the report described as "true Canadianism" to Canadians and to the world. There was no regional favouritism in the artists chosen and no catering to popular taste.

Although subsequent airports enjoyed increased artistic freedom, Gander's competition brief required that the work be "not non-objective," resulting in contemporary works that consisted of representational imagery (or imagery that is easily recognizable as being from everyday life). The lounge's interior design, influenced by prominent British poster artist Frank Newbould, combined functionality with the height of sophistication for the time. Its floor tiles are reminiscent of the artist Piet Mondrian, and there are even swivel chairs in the ladies' washroom that complete the avant-garde look. Iconic pieces from the 1950s and 1960s complement the artwork and enhance the mid-century modern ambiance. It featured furniture by renowned designers like Charles and Ray Eames, Robin Bush, Jacques Guillon and Arne Jacobsen. 

A large, striking mural by Canadian artist Kenneth Lochhead dominates the lounge. Lochhead has been described as the man who brought modernism to Canada — a form of art that emphasized abstraction and the subjective experience. Lochhead's mural, Flight and Its Allegories, depicts human figures enacting the stages of flight against a backdrop of Canada's flora and fauna. Created early in his career, it bridges the fresh-faced idealism of modernity on the international scene with a generous interest in storytelling. 

In the centre of the room, a dynamic sculpture by Canadian artist Arthur Price, called Birds of Welcome, embodies movement. Constructed from sleek modern metals, this piece serves as an allegory for flight. It captures the transformative impact of air travel on society and culture.

Gander's legacy as a hub of art and community continues to thrive, reflecting its influence on Canadian identity and international connections. It shows that even a small town can be at the heart of global change. The significance of this airport as a place of connection was underscored on Sept. 11, as it played a crucial role in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. When U.S. airspace was closed, 38 planes were diverted to Gander, bringing nearly 7,000 passengers to the small town of roughly 9,000 people. The community's response — welcoming and providing for the unexpected guests — became a story that resonated internationally, later depicted in the acclaimed Broadway musical Come From Away.

Gander airport goes from heyday to ho-hum

46 years ago

Duration 2:24

Once a mandatory stopover for refuelling transatlantic flights, the airport retains its modernist glamour in 1978.

Gander's global importance as a touchdown point faded when jumbo jets began crossing the Atlantic non-stop in the 1960s. Air traffic dwindled in Gander, and with it, so did the need for a large airport terminal. Plans to build a smaller, more efficient terminal, unveiled in 2015, put the magnificent departures lounge at risk. But there was a surge of support to save it, leading the Gander International Airport Authority to restore and preserve the departure lounge, but also its murals, sculptures and furniture. Since June 2022, the lounge has welcomed more than 100,000 visitors, continuing its legacy as a beacon of art, culture and connection.

The real legacy of the Gander airport lounge, however, is in the vibrant space it has created. Its artworks have served as both a backdrop and a comforting presence during countless goodbyes and reunions, offering a safe haven for travellers from all walks of life.