MIA mural tells the tale of three Miami-Dade County cities

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and other local government leaders gathered at Miami International Airport to unveil a new wall mural honoring pioneering aviator and land developer Glenn Curtiss, who founded the cities of Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Opa-locka – each currently celebrating centennial anniversaries.

In partnership with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and other local cultural organizations, From Wings to Cities: The Vision of Glenn Curtiss, is now on display through April 1, 2026, at MIA’s Connecting Communities Wall on the arrivals level near door 11. The mural features historic images and milestones of each city over the past 100 years.

“I’m thrilled to see this mural on display at MIA, honoring the legacy of Glenn Curtiss and the centennial anniversaries of Hialeah, Miami Springs, and Opa-locka,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “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.”

Long before Miami-Dade County became a global gateway, Curtiss imagined communities built around innovation, mobility, and modern living - where aviation would redefine how people connected to place and to one another. Working with fellow pioneers, Curtiss played a defining role in founding Hialeah in 1925 and Miami Springs and Opa-locka in 1926.

Each reflects a different expression of his ambition and belief in planned communities designed for the future. Hialeah, envisioned as “The City of Progress,” has grown into a dynamic center of industry and culture, shaped in large part by its immigrant community. Opa-locka captured the imagination through its Moorish Revival style and Arabian Nights–inspired identity, making it one of the most distinctively planned cities in the nation. Miami Springs emerged as a carefully designed residential oasis, known for its Pueblo Revival architecture and human-scale charm.

Editor's Note: Click here to view images