Atmospheric reflections of the North
Atmospheric reflections of the North
The iconic Terminal 1 chandeliers re-imagined
The return of the Manchester Airport chandeliers
As part of our once-in-a-generation £1.5bn transformation of Terminal 2, we wanted to celebrate this important piece of the airport’s history while creating a landmark feature for the future. After locating two of the original chandeliers we announced our plans to reincarnate them as part of the airport’s 85th anniversary celebrations. That vision was to create a striking new sculpture for the heart of the new Terminal 2, blending heritage with innovation.
An artistic community collaboration
This unique piece of art repurposed the original glass pieces from the chandeliers that once illuminated Terminal 1.
Manchester Airport has worked with local artist Liam Hopkins from Lazerian and students from the Manchester School of Architecture to transform these historic glass pieces into a striking centrepiece for Terminal 2.
Community engagement was an integral part to the project, providing invaluable insights and inspiration. Through feedback forms and outreach initiatives, the airport gathered a wealth of information, uncovering stories and memories that have shaped the designs.
Celebrating the Industrial history of the North
As you view the installation, you may wonder at the meaning behind it all.
The chosen design - Atmospheric Reflections of the North - is a celebration of Northern England’s industrial heritage and weather (of course). The design also reflects the airport’s own intriguing history as a parachute regiment training centre.
The vibrant and whimsical re-imagined chandeliers were installed in the new Terminal 2 Security East to mark the completion of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme in 2026.
Chandelier fun facts
Architect Stefan Buzas commissioned the original chandeliers as part of his design for Terminal 1. Italian glassmaker Bruno Zanetti created them at the Venini factory in Murano, Italy.
The chandeliers hung in Terminal 1 from 1962 to 2003. Each droplet on display is unique in shape and size, as they’re fragments of the original pieces.
Stretching more than 85 metres, the parachute-inspired designs transition from grey-blue to red-orange, representing sunrise as passengers move towards the departure lounge.
There are three distinct design variations:
- A 26-line design echoing Ringway’s wartime training parachutes
- An organic line arrangement evoking free movement in the sky
- A version incorporating Manchester Airport flight paths
A journey of transformation
We’ve captured the whole journey of our chandelier re-imagination – from idea creation to installation.
Watch the documentary to experience the story behind the idea.
Celebrating the people behind the Manchester Transformation Project
This installation will also serve as a lasting tribute to the many people behind the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme.
Each of the 482 chandeliers carries an individual numbered tag. Every number has been assigned to an individual or organisation that has contributed to the programme, creating a meaningful connection between the installation and the people who made it possible.
Open the map below to see our contributors.