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The water feature has two signature shows that showcase iconic arts and culture, as well as monuments throughout the city.
The new water feature at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B was developed by the French company Aquatique Show.
The Unisphere at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park can be seen among the many monuments showcased in “Iconic NY.”
Executives from the Port Authority and LaGuardia Gateway Partners stand in front of the new water feature.
The “Iconic NY” signature show features music from the Frank Sinatra song “New York, New York.”
Children and other passengers observe the water feature at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall.
On Friday, leaders of the Port Authority joined LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the manager and developer of Terminal B, to unveil the new water feature at the Arrivals and Departures Hall, which opened this past June.
Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority, described the water feature as a “laser light show displayed on a falling curtain of water.”
“There is no feature like this in any other airport globally,” he said. “We’re very proud that it debuts at the new LaGuardia Airport.”
Suspended 25 feet above the ground, the water feature is made up of two large rings, one inside the other, with water dropping from nozzles. The 450 individually controlled nozzles allow for any kind of shape, word or number to be displayed in water.
Altogether, 4,000 gallons of water are used and recirculated through the fountain. The airport uses three laser projectors, two media servers and a team of content designers, artists and sound engineers to create the shows.
According to the Port Authority, shows run continuously during terminal hours. They have developed two signature shows, three minutes each, that appear every 15 minutes between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The first signature show, called “Iconic NY,” is set to the Frank Sinatra classic “New York, New York,” and features all five boroughs’ monuments and streetscape.
The second, called “Arts and Entertainment,” showcases the city’s museums, parks, sports and music venues.
“It is a symbol of New York,” Cotton said.
Stewart Steeves, CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, noted that the water feature, which was developed by the French company Aquatique Show, is the centerpiece of the commercial and retail area on Level 4 of the new Arrials and Departures Hall.
“It is meant to be a place where people can relax, unwind and enjoy as they travel through LaGuardia Airport,” he said.
The $8 billion redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport is now more than 50 percent complete, Cotton said. Terminal B, which is now 90 percent complete, is open and operating to the public. At 1.3 million square feet, it includes a new 35-gate terminal, parking garage and central hall.
“Terminal B embodies the governor’s vision of a 21st century, global-standard airport,” Cotton said. “We are seeing it materialize before our eyes.”
He added that as part of the opening of the Arrivals and Departures Hall last June, the Port Authority has already added four public art installations.
“An element of the governor’s vision was that this be not only a 21st century airport in terms of function,” Cotton added, “but that it would have a level of civic architecture and a level of appeal that would make this an inspiring place.”
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