Owais Crawford
Denver International Airport has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories, including that it is built on an Indian graveyard, and that aliens live in tunnels beneath the terminal. The airport's unusual artwork has also drawn attention, including a statue of Anubis, the Egyptian god of death, which was installed in 2010 as a temporary marketing display for an Ancient Egypt exhibition at the nearby Denver Art Museum. The statue drew controversy, with some residents uncomfortable with the idea of a god of death statue in their airport. So, is the Anubis statue still at Denver Airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | 26-foot tall |
| Weight | 7 tons |
| Location | Outside the airport, on the south side of the terminal |
| Purpose | Temporary marketing display for an Ancient Egypt exhibition at the nearby Denver Art Museum |
| Exhibition | King Tut exhibition |
| Date | Erected in 2010 |
| Current Status | Not part of the airport anymore |
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What You'll Learn
The Anubis statue was a temporary marketing display
The Anubis statue at the Denver International Airport was a temporary marketing display. The 26-foot-tall, seven-ton sculpture of the Egyptian god of death was installed in collaboration with the Denver Art Museum to promote the King Tut exhibit that was coming to the museum in June 2010. The statue was intended to be a piece of art to celebrate the exhibit and was not a commissioned piece of public art for the airport. It was part of a travelling show and had appeared in several airports and landmarks across the nation before arriving in Denver.
The statue of Anubis was constructed on the south side of the terminal outside the departures area in the Jeppessen terminal. The black and gold statue, with its imposing and regal appearance, depicted a three-story man-jackal, a striking addition to the airport landscape. While some found the statue interesting and a great conversation starter, it stirred up controversy among residents, with some questioning why a figure associated with death and funerals would be used to welcome people to the city. The black colour of the statue, in particular, was criticised as representing a decaying body and sending a morbid message about the city of Denver.
The Anubis statue added to the airport's reputation for odd artwork and fuelled existing conspiracy theories about the airport. Some of these theories include the belief that the airport is built on an Indian graveyard, that aliens live in tunnels below the terminal, and that it is set up to become a concentration camp for Denver citizens. The airport has embraced its association with conspiracy theories and oddity, continuing to install unusual art pieces like a visiting talking gargoyle.
The statue of Anubis was not a permanent fixture at the airport and was only on display for a limited time to promote the King Tut exhibit. While it may no longer be physically present at the airport, the statue continues to leave its mark through its impact on the airport's image and the lasting impressions it made on those who encountered it during its temporary stay.
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Denver Airport's reputation for conspiracy theories
Denver International Airport (DIA) has gained a reputation as a hub for conspiracy theories, with its unusual artwork and architecture sparking intrigue and speculation. The airport's design features, including its white, tent-like roof and various geometric structures, have fuelled conspiracy theories about hidden meanings and covert agendas.
One of the most well-known pieces of artwork at DIA is the "Blue Mustang" statue, also known as "Blucifer". Standing at 32 feet tall, the blue horse statue with glowing red eyes has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories. The statue fell on and killed its creator, artist Luis Jimenez, leading some to believe that it is cursed. Others see it as a harbinger of doom, while critics defend its artistic value as a representation of Colorado's wild mustangs.
The airport's murals, including one depicting dystopian scenes, have also sparked debate and speculation about hidden messages. Conspiracy theorists claim that the murals, along with the airport's unusual design, are indicators of a broader conspiracy involving secret societies, global events, and hidden agendas. Some even believe that the airport is tied to the New World Order, a prelude to large-scale population control, or a base for the Illuminati.
Adding to the airport's reputation for conspiracy theories are the numerous underground tunnels and trams that run between the concourses. Some people believe that these tunnels were built to shuttle individuals to large underground bunkers in the event of an apocalypse or "end times". The airport's dedication marker and capstone, which sit atop a time capsule set to be opened in 2094, have also sparked conspiracy theories due to their association with the Freemasons.
The display of a temporary statue of Anubis, the Egyptian god of death, at the airport in 2010 further fuelled conspiracy theories. The statue was a marketing display for an Ancient Egypt exhibition at the nearby Denver Art Museum. However, its presence at the airport stirred up controversy, with some residents expressing discomfort and asking why a god of death would be used to welcome people to the city.
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The Anubis statue's height and weight
The Anubis statue at the Denver International Airport was 26 feet tall and weighed seven tons. The statue was erected in 2010 as a temporary marketing display for the Ancient Egypt exhibition at the nearby Denver Art Museum. The statue was not part of the airport's art collection.
The enormous size of the statue stirred up controversy among some residents. The statue's height and weight, combined with its depiction of Anubis, the Egyptian god of death, created discomfort among travellers. However, the director of communication at the Denver Art Museum, Andrea Folton, emphasised that the statue was not intended to upset anyone. She clarified that the statue was part of a travelling show and not a commissioned piece of public art for the airport.
The Anubis statue at the Denver International Airport is not the only artwork to have caused a stir. The airport is known for its odd artwork and has a rich history of conspiracy theories. For example, the giant blue mustang statue with glowing red eyes, nicknamed "Blucifer," has been described as creepy, especially given that it killed its creator, Artist Luis Jimenez, in 2006.
While the Anubis statue may no longer be at the airport, its presence there added to the airport's reputation for unique and sometimes unsettling artwork. The statue's height and weight certainly contributed to its impact and made it a memorable part of the airport's landscape during its temporary display.
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The Denver Art Museum's involvement
The Denver Art Museum's director of communication, Andrea Folton, emphasised that the statue was not intended to be a permanent fixture at the airport or a commissioned piece of public art. Instead, it was part of a travelling show that had appeared in several airports and landmarks across the nation. Folton also clarified that the statue was not paid for with public funds and was not meant to cause distress.
The presence of the Anubis statue at the airport stirred controversy and sparked discussions among residents. Some, like Millie Lieberman of Denver, questioned the choice of the statue as a welcoming piece for the city, finding its depiction of decay and death to be a poor representation of Denver's values. Others, particularly those interested in conspiracies, expressed discomfort with the idea of encountering the god of death while travelling, adding to the airport's reputation for odd artwork and conspiracy theories.
The Denver Art Museum's collaboration with the airport on the Anubis statue was a temporary marketing strategy to draw attention to the upcoming King Tut exhibition. While it succeeded in generating conversation and interest, it also sparked debates about the appropriateness of using certain imagery in public spaces and the potential for misinterpretation or discomfort among viewers.
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The statue's location at the airport
The 26-foot-tall statue of Anubis, the Egyptian god of death, was once located at the Denver International Airport. It was installed in collaboration with the Denver Art Museum to promote the King Tut exhibit. The statue was placed on the south side of the terminal, outside the departures area in the Jeppessen terminal. The sculpture was constructed to welcome the new exhibition, which was set to open on June 29 at the museum.
The Anubis statue was not a permanent fixture and was only a temporary marketing display. It was part of a travelling show and had appeared in several airports and landmarks across the nation. The statue was intended to celebrate the King Tut exhibit and was not commissioned as a public art piece for the airport.
The giant Anubis statue, weighing seven tons, was constructed by Mark Hull with Transgroup Worldwide Logistics. It drew mixed reactions from the public, with some people feeling uncomfortable about the presence of the god of death at an airport. The black and gold colours of the statue were also interpreted as representing a decaying body, which some residents found disturbing.
The Denver International Airport is known for its unique architecture and has become a hotspot for conspiracy theories and odd artwork. The airport features other notable pieces, such as "Blucifer," a giant blue mustang statue with glowing red eyes, and "Mustang," a red-eyed demon horse sculpture by Luis Jimenez.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Anubis statue was a temporary marketing display for an Ancient Egypt exhibition at the nearby Denver Art Museum.
The Anubis statue was installed to promote a King Tut exhibit at the Denver Art Museum.
Anubis is the Egyptian god of death and the leader of the dead.
