Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) opened in 1940 as Philadelphia Municipal Airport. When American Overseas Airlines inaugurated transatlantic services in 1945, Philadelphia Municipal Airport became PHL.  

In December 1953, PHL  underwent a $15 million terminal building renovation, which included a 400-seat restaurant on the third level. The restaurant included floor-to-ceiling windows allowing guests to see  both the airfield and the sky. Adjoining the restaurant was a cocktail lounge, coffee shop, and soda fountain for passengers, employees, and the public.  

A new exhibit located between Terminals A and B, allows today’s guests to take a nostalgic trip back and imagine themselves dining with close up views of the runways. The exhibition features vintage placemats, a menu, cocktail glasses, swizzle sticks, plates, and matchbooks.  These collector’s items were sourced from various auctions of airport memorabilia.  

“This snapshot of the mid-century restaurant serves as a sentimental view of PHL’s early days, but also provides a contrast to the bustling international airport of today with an ever-present eye towards the future.” says Helen Cahng PHL’s Collections and Exhibitions Curator.