The Brief Tampa International Airport is unveiling a one-day public exhibit showcasing rare archival materials from its history. Airport leaders hope the display will educate and inspire both history buffs and aviation enthusiasts. Tampa International Airport is pulling back the curtain on its rich aviation history with a rare exhibit that opens some of its archive materials to the public for the first time. READ: Tampa Bay 24/7: Behind the scenes of Tampa International Airport’s overnight runway maintenanceVisitors can explore never-before-seen photographs, newspaper clippings and even original hand-painted airport design sketches dating back to the 1960s. MORE: Tampa Bay 24/7: The unsung heroes of Tampa International Airport's overnight shiftThe backstory:Tampa International Airport officially opened in 1971 with a futuristic design that aimed to make air travel more accessible and convenient.