Tampa International Airport just added another showstopper to its already impressive public art collection — and it’s a star. Actually, three of them.
Renowned Swiss visual artist Claudia Comte will soon debut her latest work, Starfish Family and Dancing Algae, at Tampa International Airport. This stunning new permanent installation will add even more color and character to an airport consistently ranked among the best in the country.
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Carved from elegant Italian Carrara marble, the trio of starfish — named Sam, Kai, and Leo after Comte’s partner and two sons — will stand proudly in front of a massive black-and-white wall mural symbolizing the rhythm of ocean waves and the graceful sway of underwater algae.
Giant starfish will lead the way to Airside D
This larger-than-life sculpture set will be located near the future Airside D shuttle lobby and the Red Express Curbs, both currently under construction and scheduled to open this summer.
“This has been in the works for years,” said Kelly Figley, TPA’s senior marketing manager. “People are going to be drawn to these starfish and this fantastic wall painting.”
Comte, who conceptualized the piece in Switzerland, says her goal is to offer travelers a moment of serenity. The starfish represent stillness and grounding, while the flowing mural invites movement — creating a captivating contrast perfect for the high-energy pace of airport life.
TPA is one of Florida’s coolest art galleries
Let’s be honest: Tampa International is already one of the best art galleries in Florida. We said what we said. Between the giant floating sea turtle, mesmerizing bird mosaics, the gravity-defying infinity ladder, and Phoebe the iconic 21-foot flamingo, TPA is practically a museum with flight gates. Naturally, the Starfish Family will become yet another must-see (and must-selfie) attraction.
So next time you’re picking up visitors, be sure to skip baggage claim — just for a minute — and introduce them to Sam, Kai, and Leo. They’re the newest stars of the show.
