SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1 named world’s most beautiful airport

People reported that San Francisco International Airport's Harvey Milk Terminal 1 was named the 2025 Prix Versailles "World’s Most Beautiful Airport." The terminal, which opened in 2024, was praised by the Prix Versailles jury as "the fruit of an ambitious transformation" that "provides a soothing, restorative setting for travelers," Travel and Leisure reported; Gensler said in a press release the project achieved a 79% reduction in carbon emissions and a 59% decrease in energy usage.

The award was presented at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Design and wellness features highlighted include natural light-filled spaces, decor honoring the Bay Area, 30 pieces of artwork, gender-neutral restrooms, wellness zones, accessible wayfinding and a "quiet terminal" where announcements are mainly displayed on boards; the terminal also hosts a moving exhibition, Harvey Milk: Messenger of Hope, as part of the SFO Museum.

Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet said in a press release that being the first airport terminal named for an LGBTQ+ leader "only enhances the significance" of the recognition. Alongside SFO, the Prix Versailles recognized terminal 2 at Yantai Penglai International Airport in China, Roland Garros Airport's arrivals terminal in Réunion, and terminal 1 at Kansai International Airport in Osaka; Marseille Provence Airport won a special prize for its interior and Portland International Airport received a special prize for its main terminal exterior.

Key Topics

Culture, Harvey Milk, San Francisco, Prix Versailles, Gensler, Unesco