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NASA Art Program

Since its beginning, NASA has used the power of art to communicate the extraordinary aspects of its missions in a way that connects uniquely with humanity. NASA’s original art program, started in 1962 under the direction of Administrator James Webb, included a diverse collection of works from artists such as Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell, and Annie Leibovitz.

Quick Facts

The National Gallery, Pompidou Center, Hirshhorn Museum, and Guggenheim have exhibited NASA-commissioned works.

The National Gallery, Pompidou Center, Hirshhorn Museum, and Guggenheim have exhibited NASA-commissioned works.

Before Neil Armstrong walked on the lunar surface, Norman Rockwell painted a compelling depiction of what the first step on the Moon might look like.

Before Neil Armstrong walked on the lunar surface, Norman Rockwell painted a compelling depiction of what the first step on the Moon might look like.

Featured Story

NASA Relaunches Art Program with Space-Themed Murals

NASA launched the next phase of its art program with two new space-themed murals in New York’s Hudson Square neighborhood…

Before Neil Armstrong walked on the lunar surface, Norman Rockwell painted a compelling depiction of what the first step on the moon might look like. (Licensed by Norman Rockwell Licensing, Niles, Illinois.)
NASA Art Program

Painting by Ren Wicks depicting astronaut explorers on Mars — “Mission to Mars,” by artist Ren Wicks, depicts NASA explorers conducting scientific observations on the Martian surface as a dust storm approaches a crater near the landing site. (NASA has a royalty-free license to exercise all rights under the copyright claimed herein for governmental purposes. All other rights reserved by the copyright owner.)
NASA Art Program

The inaugural murals for the relaunched NASA Art Program appear side-by-side at 350 Hudson Street, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, in New York City. The murals, titled “To the Moon, and Back,” were created by New York-based artist team Geraluz and WERC and use geometrical patterns to invite deeper reflection on the exploration, creativity, and connection with the cosmos.
NASA/Joel Kowsky

Portrait of John Young by Henry Casselli — “When Thoughts Turn Inward,” a watercolor by Henry Casselli, shows astronaut John Young during suit-up for the first space shuttle mission.
NASA has a royalty-free license to exercise all rights under the copyright claimed herein for governmental purposes. All other rights reserved by the copyright owner.

Mitchell Jamieson’s “First Steps,” painted in 1963.
Courtesy of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

“Grissom and Young,” painted in 1965 by Norman Rockwell. (Licensed by Norman Rockwell Licensing, Niles, Illinois.)
Courtesy Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

“Liftoff at 15 Seconds,” painted in 1982 by Jack Perlmutter.
NASA Art Program

Photograph of NASA astronaut Eileen Collins taken in 1999 by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz.
NASA Art Program

For this 2001 photographer, artist William Wegman suited up his signature Weimaraners as astronauts. One peers out of a space station while the other conducts a spacewalk. NASA loaned Wegman a model of a spacesuit to use in his work.
NASA Art Program

“Sky Garden” was created by Robert Rauschenberg in 1969 after he witnessed NASA’s Apollo 11 launch. (Robert Rauschenberg. All rights reserved.)
NASA Art Program

The inspiration for Daniel Zeller’s 2006 drawing was the surface of Saturn’s moon Titan, as recorded by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft.
NASA Art Program

Learn More About NASA Art Program

A Different Perspective – Remembering James Dean, Founder of the NASA Art Program

NASA and Art

NASA’s Art Program is Back

See More Images from the NASA Art Program

In a 1969 sketch, artist Paul Calle captures a member of the Apollo 11 crew suiting up for their historic mission. (Paul Calle. All rights reserved.)

NASA on The Commons

See more art inspired by NASA on Flickr.

For more information about NASA’s Art Program, email Agency-Art-Program@mail.nasa.gov.