A Gromit sculpture from the Gromit Unleashed 3 trail is now on display at the airport’s public transport interchange.
Named Edelweiss, the sculpture was purchased by the airport at a charity auction last year, which raised £2m for The Grand Appeal, supporting Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital.
Dave Lees, chief executive of Bristol Airport, said: “We were pleased to contribute towards such an important and deserving charity.
“We are absolutely over the moon with Edelweiss taking centre spot inside our public transport interchange where he’ll be seen by millions of passengers using their local airport.”
Designed by Bristol artist Jenny Urquhart, Edelweiss features alpine landscapes and colourful flowers inspired by The Sound of Music.
Ms Urquhart said: “I was so thrilled when I found out where his forever home is going to be.
“Hopefully, he will bring a smile to the millions of visitors’ faces, and I can’t wait to see him again when I am next on my travels.”
The Gromit sculpture is one of several new features at the airport, including a 10-metre-long ‘Bristol’ sign made from Corten steel.
Located between the terminal and the new bridge link to the transport hub, the structure offers a sense of arrival and a photo opportunity for visitors.
The sign’s “O” has been designed for a walkthrough photo moment and will be illuminated at night once fully weathered.
Helen Haskell, head of fundraising at The Grand Appeal, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Edelweiss return to public display, welcoming visitors and local residents alike as they arrive in Bristol.
“We’re so grateful to Bristol Airport for their ongoing support for our work.
“Knowing that millions of people will enjoy Edelweiss while helping shine a light on our charity and Bristol Children’s Hospital means the world to us.”
Kathryn Davis, chief executive at Visit West, said: “Bristol Airport provides an important gateway to the South West with both domestic and international visitors arriving through the airport to explore our region.
“Both the ‘Bristol’ welcome sign and Gromit sculpture provide a warm and creative welcome and will no doubt feature in tourists’ photographs and social media posts that will further help to promote our amazing region.”
The airport’s public transport interchange, which opened last year, is part of a wider £400m transformation project.
A canopy connecting the terminal and bridge link is due to be installed later this summer, further improving the passenger experience.
