From today, passengers at Rome Fiumicino Airport can experience the striking sculpture Stream of Light by artist Helidon Xhixha, displayed outside the Terminal 1 departures hall as a tribute to the city of Rome. This monumental piece measures 4.8 metres in length, 4.2 metres in depth and 10.7 metres in height, crafted from marine steel with a corten steel base, a high-resistance alloy renowned for its durability.

The choice to showcase Stream of Light at Leonardo Da Vinci Airport is no accident. The sculpture embodies energy and movement, and its iconic triangular form symbolises travel and the connection between cultures. The grooves along its central structure transform the piece into a representation of light, cutting dynamically through matter with force and purpose. The steel symbolises both strength and stability, offering a sense of reassurance. Its design represents the flow of energy and connection, conveying a vision of the future filled with hope and endless possibilities.

"It is a pleasure to present Stream of Light, the sculpture I created for the city of Rome. Made of stainless steel, this work arises from the fusion of metal and light, symbolising both the modernity and tradition of Rome—a city that blends history with innovation. The light that dances across the reflective surface of the steel invites hope and forms a bridge between the past and the future, much like the airport, which serves as a crossroads of cultures and dreams," commented Helidon Xhixha. "With its dynamic upward-reaching shape, the sculpture acts as a beacon, guiding travellers and embodying the energy of those who arrive, depart and dream of new horizons. In this space of constant movement, Stream of Light seeks to provoke reflection on our ongoing journey into the future and the importance of cultural exchange."

Over the course of his 25-year career, Xhixha has become a leading figure in contemporary art, earning international critical acclaim for his ability to transform his unique vision and innovative technique into monumental works that redefine the relationship between sculpture, its environment and light—the true focal point of each piece. A central theme in his work is a deep respect for and commitment to environmental preservation, a concept that consistently resonates throughout his art.

"This initiative is part of a long-standing effort by ADR to promote and celebrate art and culture in all its forms, transforming the airport into a stop on the journey and an exhibition space that showcases both the beauty Italy and the city of Rome offer to visitors, as well as works by internationally renowned artists. Today, Rome Fiumicino has an increasingly cosmopolitan identity, ranking as one of the two hubs in Europe and one of only twelve globally, with a 5-star Skytrax rating for its outstanding service standards, all while maintaining a strong connection to its cultural heritage and the surrounding region," said Marco Troncone, CEO of Aeroporti di Roma.

"We have always supported Aeroporti di Roma's cultural vision of creating a widespread museum, and Xhixha’s work marks an important step forward in this direction. The numerous accolades received by the capital’s airports highlight their safety and efficiency, but these major hubs will also serve as cultural and spiritual gateways for the millions of pilgrims arriving in Rome. Aeroporti di Roma’s commitment to promoting contemporary art—a vital aspect of national culture—is commendable. The aim is to make initiatives like this a structural part of all the country’s infrastructure," stated Federico Mollicone, Chairman of the Culture Committee in the Chamber of Deputies.

"We convinced the artist to leave the piece in Rome, where it represents light, and found a fitting location at Fiumicino Airport, which is becoming more beautiful through its integration of art and culture. Given the scale of the sculpture, ADR’s team did an outstanding job, and I thank them for making this installation possible," said Luca Dal Fabbro, President of Iren.

"Thanks to ADR for embracing the idea of transforming a transit 'non-place' like an airport into a space filled with art and beauty. The inauguration of Stream of Light could only take place today,13 December, the shortest day of the year in terms of solar time, strategically positioning it at the airport entrance where it can immediately evoke a sense of hope and strength," said Angelo Argento, President of Cultura Italiae.

The exhibition of Stream of Light marks another milestone in the development of a true museum at Rome Fiumicino Airport, which has already showcased a diverse range of artworks from various periods. These include statues from the Ostia Antica excavations, highlighting the airport's strong local ties; stained glass attributed to Giotto from the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence; Bernini's "Salvator Mundi"; and contemporary installations by Marcantonio, Manuel Felisi, Daniele Sigalot and Marco Lodola.