Roberta Aguirre
Denver International Airport (DIA) has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories since it opened in 1995. The airport's unusual artwork, mysterious underground tunnels, and construction problems have fuelled speculation about its connection to secret societies, including the Freemasons, the Illuminati, and the New World Order. Theories range from the existence of underground bunkers and tunnels to rumours of lizard people and alien invasions. The airport has embraced these conspiracy theories, incorporating them into its marketing strategy and even displaying a fake skull in its Conspiracy Theories Uncovered gallery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Conspiracy Theories | Lizard people, space aliens, secret underground bunkers, cursed horse, built by members of a secret society (Freemasons, Illuminati, New World Order), Nazi symbolism, underground tunnels, and bunkers beneath the airport, etc. |
| Artwork | Murals depicting death and destruction (gas masks, corpses, coffins, dead animals), outstretched hands, pickaxes, gargoyles, a 32-foot, 9,000-pound Mustang sculpture ("Blucifer") with glowing red eyes |
| Construction | Cost more and took longer to build than projected, includes several subterranean levels beneath the main terminal, including trains and a defunct automated baggage system |
| Other | Time capsule to be opened in 2094, contains memorabilia for the people of Colorado |
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What You'll Learn
Lizard people and space aliens
The Denver International Airport has been a hotspot for conspiracy theories since it opened in 1995. One of the most popular theories revolves around the idea that the airport is home to lizard people and space aliens.
The theory suggests that there is a vast network of underground tunnels and secret buildings beneath the airport, which serve as a lair for lizard people and aliens. These tunnels are said to contain underground bunkers, which will be used by the world's elite during the apocalypse. Some even believe that the bunkers are connected to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) located at Peterson Space Force Base, about 90 miles south of the airport. However, the airport has stated that the tunnels only extend out to the perimeter of the airport, less than two miles.
The belief in lizard people and aliens at the Denver Airport may have been influenced by unusual artwork and statues found throughout the airport. For example, the artist Leo Tanguma painted murals depicting man-made environmental destruction and genocide, which have been interpreted by conspiracy theorists as evidence of something sinister. Additionally, the airport features two gargoyle statues, "Notre Denver," by Terry Allen, which watch over the airport's baggage claim area. These gargoyles have been seen as suspicious by some, despite the airport's explanation that they are meant to ward off evil spirits and protect travellers' luggage.
The airport has also played into these conspiracy theories with tongue-in-cheek marketing campaigns and construction signs. For example, during construction in the great hall, signs were posted with messages like "Construction? Or cover-up?" and "Remodelling the lizard people's lair." The airport has even created a webpage called Den Files, which includes bonus conspiracy theories and encourages people to "Learn the truth."
While these theories may seem far-fetched, they have captured the imaginations of many, with conspiracy forums, YouTube videos, and even a dedicated episode of Jesse Ventura's Tru TV show "Conspiracy Theory" exploring the mysteries of the Denver International Airport.
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Freemasons, Illuminati, and New World Order
The Denver International Airport has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories since its construction in the 1990s, with some speculating that it was built by a secret society, such as the Freemasons, the Illuminati, or the New World Order. The airport's remote location, massive size, strange artwork, and underground tunnels have all contributed to these theories.
One of the most prominent theories suggests that the Freemasons, a secret society with a long history and influence, played a significant role in the airport's creation and continue to control it. The presence of Masonic symbols in the airport's artwork and the dedication stone, which was funded by two Freemason grand lodges in Colorado, have been cited as evidence of their involvement. Additionally, the time capsule buried beneath the dedication stone, containing messages and memorabilia for the people of Colorado in 2094, has sparked speculation about hidden agendas and connections to the Illuminati.
The Illuminati, a secret society dating back to 18th-century Europe, is known for its desire to reshape society and has been linked to various conspiracy theories throughout history. At the Denver airport, the talking gargoyle statues above the baggage claim areas and the "Blue Mustang" sculpture with red eyes have been interpreted as subtle messages or symbols related to the Illuminati. Some even claim that the airport is the Illuminati's headquarters and that there are secret underground bunkers for the elite to survive the apocalypse.
The New World Order theory suggests that the airport was built by a group with ties to Nazism and that its massive cost and lengthy construction time support this idea. The dedication marker credits the "'New World Airport Commission'" for the airport's construction, adding fuel to the conspiracy. The belief in a potential apocalypse and the existence of underground tunnels further reinforce the idea that the airport serves as a safe haven for the elite in the event of a global catastrophe.
While these theories may seem far-fetched, they have gained traction among conspiracy theorists and have been perpetuated by various forms of media, including YouTube videos and documentaries. The airport's unique features, such as its remote location and unusual artwork, have undoubtedly contributed to the intrigue and speculation surrounding it.
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Conspiracy theories about the horse
The Denver International Airport has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories since its construction in 1995. One of the most well-known theories revolves around the 32-foot fiberglass blue horse statue, nicknamed "Blucifer", located outside the airport. Here are some of the conspiracy theories surrounding the horse statue:
- Evil Incarnate: Known as "Blucifer", a portmanteau of "blue" and "Lucifer", the horse statue is believed by some to be a representation of evil. This theory is further fuelled by the horse's glowing red eyes, which some believe started glowing only after its creator, Luis Jiménez, died in an accident involving the statue itself.
- Illuminati Symbolism: Conspiracy theorists have linked the horse statue to the Illuminati, a secret society. They believe the horse's red eyes symbolize the Illuminati's hidden influence and power over world events.
- Prophetic Warning: Some theorists interpret the horse as a celestial warning, claiming that it represents the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. They believe the horse is a prophetic symbol, foretelling mass extinction or environmental catastrophe if humanity does not change its ways.
- Occult Worship: The horse statue, "Blucifer", is believed by some to be a symbol of occult worship. Along with other artwork in the airport, it is seen as a tribute to Satanic or apocalyptic forces, attracting people with occult knowledge who anticipate the end of the world.
- Alien Influence: Conspiracy theorists have even linked the horse statue to alien lifeforms. They speculate that the horse's unusual appearance and glowing eyes are a result of alien influence, or that it serves as a secret message to extraterrestrial beings, perhaps indicating a meeting place.
While these theories may seem far-fetched, the Denver International Airport has embraced its reputation as a hotbed of conspiracy theories, even hosting a "Conspiracy Month" in October 2016 to celebrate the wild ideas surrounding the airport's construction and artwork.
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Secret underground tunnels
Denver International Airport has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories since its construction in 1995. The airport's unique tent-like design, coupled with its vast size—over twice the land area of Manhattan—and the mysterious artwork scattered throughout, have fuelled speculation about secret underground tunnels and bunkers.
The existence of an extensive network of underground tunnels at the airport is not a theory, but a fact. The airport features a train that runs through its own underground corridor, connecting the main terminal with Concourses A, B, and C. The airport's baggage system, now consisting of carts, was initially served by conveyor belts that ran through these underground tunnels. While the conveyor belts are no longer in use, they remain in place as it would be too expensive to remove them.
Adding to the intrigue are the strange doors that can be spotted from the train and throughout the airport, which, according to some accounts, shouldn't exist based on the geography of the airport. These doors, according to an airport official, lead to areas used for storage or serve as emergency exits. The underground infrastructure, including the tunnels and doors, is a necessary feature to protect the airport's operations and baggage system from Denver's snowy winters.
Despite the airport's practical explanations, conspiracy theories have flourished. The most popular theory revolves around the idea that the tunnels contain secret bunkers built by or for lizard people, aliens, or the Illuminati. Some believe that these bunkers will serve as a safe haven for the world's elite during the apocalypse. The construction of the airport, which was years behind schedule and significantly over budget, has only fuelled these theories, with some speculating that the delays were due to a sinister plot.
Adding to the mysterious atmosphere are the airport's artworks, which include a giant horse statue with glowing red eyes, murals depicting death and destruction, and talking gargoyles above the baggage claim areas. These artistic choices have been interpreted by some as clues or hidden messages supporting the conspiracy theories. While the airport has often played along with these theories in a tongue-in-cheek manner, they remain just that—theories—with no substantive evidence to support them.
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Construction and cost
Construction of the Denver International Airport (DIA) began in 1990 and was completed in 1995. The airport is located 23 to 25 miles northeast of Downtown Denver, 15 to 19 miles farther away than the former Stapleton International Airport, which DIA replaced. The airport is actually closer to the City of Aurora than central Denver.
DIA is one of the largest airports in the United States and the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area, covering 33,500 to 34,000 acres of land. It has 33 miles of runways and taxiways, including the longest public-use runway in North America, which is 16,000 feet long and 200 feet wide. The airport features a main terminal, the Jeppesen Terminal, with a built-up area of more than 1.5 million square feet.
The construction of DIA was not without challenges and controversies. The original scheduled opening date was delayed four times due to scope and design changes, automated baggage handling system problems, and issues with concrete panels in the runways. The total cost of the airport exceeded $4.8 billion, including $3 billion in construction costs, which were underestimated by $1 billion. In 2019, there were further issues with the Great Hall renovation project, which was abruptly halted due to concerns about delays, safety lapses, and cost overruns. The contract with the original contractor, Great Hall Partners, was terminated, and new contractors, Stantec and Hensel Phelps, were hired to complete the project.
Denver International Airport has continued to expand and renovate its facilities to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. In 2022, the airport began a major interior renovation and reconfiguration of the Jeppesen Terminal, including relocating TSA security checkpoints and consolidating airline ticket counters. The airport has also undertaken gate expansion projects, such as the addition of new gates for Frontier Airlines operations in 2022, and has plans for further expansion with "Operation 2045", which aims to add four new concourses and 100 more gates by 2045 to support the airport's goal of serving over 125 million passengers annually.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport's unusual artwork, architecture, and construction problems have fuelled conspiracy theories since before it opened in 1995. The airport embraces these theories as part of its marketing strategy.
One of the most popular theories is that the airport was built by a secret society, such as the Freemasons, the Illuminati, or the New World Order. Others speculate about the existence of underground tunnels and secret bunkers beneath the airport. Some even claim that the airport's runways are shaped like a swastika.
Conspiracy theorists point to the airport's dedication marker, which credits a group called the New World Airport Commission that doesn't actually exist. They also highlight the airport's unusual artwork, such as the "Notre Denver" gargoyle sculptures, the Mustang sculpture with glowing red eyes, and murals with disturbing imagery.
The airport acknowledges that there are several subterranean levels beneath the main terminal, including trains that carry passengers to different concourses. However, they insist that these tunnels only extend to the perimeter of the airport and that the underground levels are primarily used for offices and workspaces.
