San Diego International Airport’s newly renovated Terminal 1 has a new exhibition that goes beyond typical airport art. The Ilan-Lael Foundation is presenting a stained-glass piece called Palawan Cape as part of the “Snapshot San Diego” exhibit, telling the story of the “Pearl of the Pacific” Peace Park and the late artist James Hubbell, who passed away in 2024 at age 92.
The Story Behind the Peace Park
The Peace Park sits on San Diego’s coastline near Shelter Island, and its creation in 1998 was anything but straightforward. Hubbell brought together students from the US, China, Russia, and Mexico for a four-week project that required navigating land acquisition issues, visa struggles, building obstacles, and language barriers.
Despite all that, the team built the park brick by brick, mosaic by mosaic, creating a space that became a symbol of cross-border collaboration.
The park was part of Hubbell’s larger Pacific Rim installations across the world, and it remains one of San Diego’s most tangible examples of art functioning as diplomacy.
Marianne Gerdes, Executive Director of the Ilan-Lael Foundation, describes it as “more than an artwork” – it’s a symbol of San Diego’s commitment to global friendship and cultural understanding.
Why It Matters Now
In a time when division seems to be the default setting, the Peace Park and this exhibition offer a reminder of what’s possible when people actually work together. The stained-glass piece on display captures some of that spirit, and the exhibit itself highlights how art and architecture can transcend cultural divides and inspire dialogue.
Hubbell’s legacy continues through the Ilan-Lael Foundation, which organizes annual peace walks and ongoing Art Diplomacy initiatives, including the creation of new peace parks worldwide. The foundation is keeping his vision alive in a way that extends beyond commemoration.
See It in Person
The exhibit is viewable in Terminal 1 starting in November. If you’re flying through San Diego International Airport, it’s worth stopping by to see the Palawan Cape piece and learn about the Peace Park’s history. For travelers coming in earlier, The Studio is showing a sneak peek through November.
If you want a more hands-on experience with the Peace Park itself, the Ilan-Lael Foundation will be hosting a Friendship Picnic at the park. It’s a chance to see the actual site and understand what Hubbell and those students built together.
A Fitting Tribute
Placing this exhibition in the airport makes sense. Terminals are about connectivity and movement, and the Peace Park was built on the same idea – bringing people together across borders to create something meaningful. The exhibition does justice to both Hubbell’s legacy and San Diego’s role as a global neighbor.
See You There!
Stop by Terminal 1 to see the Palawan Cape stained-glass piece, learn about the Peace Park’s creation, and reflect on what collaboration can accomplish.
📆 Exhibition opens November 2025 | Friendship Picnic: November 22, 2025, 11 AM – 3 PM
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!