Denver Airport Murals: Where Are They Now?

Denver International Airport (DIA) is known for its unusual architecture, mythology, and underground tunnels. The airport is adorned with a variety of public artworks, including sculptures, sound art pieces, murals, paintings, and photographs. Some of the more famous artworks, such as the 'Mustang' statue (AKA 'Blucifer'), can be seen outside the airport or in the Jeppesen Terminal. However, there are dozens of artworks that can only be viewed past airport security.

The murals at Denver Airport, created by artist Leo Tanguma, have sparked widespread speculation and theories, earning the airport a reputation for housing conspiracy paintings. Tanguma's murals, located in the baggage claim area of the airport, are believed by some to contain themes of war, peace, and future harmony among humanity. The first mural, Children of the World Dream of Peace, depicts children from different backgrounds, dreaming of a peaceful world. The second mural, In Peace and Harmony with Nature, focuses on environmental themes, showing children interacting with nature and animals. While Tanguma has stated that his murals are about peace, harmony, and nature's preservation, some viewers have interpreted them as apocalyptic or predictive of a new world order.

The artist behind the murals

Tanguma's DIA murals, "Children of the World Dream of Peace" and "In Peace and Harmony with Nature", were installed in 1995 when the airport was being built. They are located in the baggage claim area, with "Children of the World Dream of Peace" on the east side and "In Peace and Harmony with Nature" on the west side. Each mural is split into two pieces, separated by doorways, and together, they tell a variety of stories for travellers to interpret while waiting for their bags.

"Children of the World Dream of Peace" depicts children from different backgrounds, all dreaming of a peaceful world. One side of the mural shows a war-like scenario with a figure that some interpret as a Nazi soldier in a gas mask, while the other side shows children coming together, dismantling weapons, and celebrating peace.

"In Peace and Harmony with Nature" focuses on environmental themes, showing children interacting with animals and nature. One part of the mural illustrates the destruction and extinction caused by human activities, while the other part depicts a world where humans live in harmony with nature, emphasising conservation and respect for the environment.

Tanguma has explained that the murals are about peace, harmony, and nature's preservation, and that they are intended to inspire hope and promote environmental stewardship and peace among the world's youth. However, despite these positive messages, the artworks have become a hotbed for conspiracy theories due to their apocalyptic and new-world imagery. Some theorists suggest that the murals predict the end of the world or depict the rise of a new world order, while others see them as warnings about environmental degradation and the dangers of warfare. Unfortunately, these theories have led to negative consequences for Tanguma and his family, including harassment and death threats.

Conspiracy theories

The Denver International Airport (DIA) is known for its size and efficiency, but also for its intriguing collection of art. The most talked-about pieces are two murals created by artist Leo Tanguma, located in the baggage claim area of the airport. The murals are titled "Children of the World Dream of Peace" and "In Peace and Harmony with Nature".

"Children of the World Dream of Peace" is a powerful portrayal of children from different backgrounds, all dreaming of a peaceful world. The imagery is divided into two parts; one side depicts a war-like scenario with a figure that some interpret as a Nazi soldier in a gas mask, while the other side shows children coming together, dismantling weapons, and celebrating peace.

"In Peace and Harmony with Nature" focuses on environmental themes, showing children interacting with animals and nature. One part of the mural illustrates the destruction and extinction caused by human activities, while the other part depicts a world where humans live in harmony with nature, emphasizing conservation and respect for the environment.

The apocalyptic and new-world imagery in the murals, combined with the airport's own set of urban legends (including rumours about underground bunkers and secret societies), has led to various interpretations and conspiracy theories. Some theorists suggest that the murals predict the end of the world or depict the rise of a new world order. Others see them as warnings about environmental degradation and the dangers of warfare.

Adding fuel to the fire of speculation, the airport is also home to other peculiar artworks, such as a massive blue statue of a horse outside its doors, often dubbed "Blucifer", and unusual gargoyles that have been linked to Satanism. There are also rumours that the airport was built on top of a sacred Indigenous burial ground, and theories linking the airport to the Freemasons, the New World Order, secret underground bunkers, extraterrestrial life, reptilian humanoids, and Nazi ties.

Despite the wild theories, Tanguma has explained that the murals are about peace, harmony, and nature's preservation. They are intended to inspire hope and promote environmental stewardship and peace among the world's youth. The airport has embraced the intrigue, offering tours and information to curious visitors, and even playing into some of the conspiracy theories for marketing purposes.

The removal of some murals

The Denver International Airport (DIA) is known for its unusual architecture, mythology, and underground tunnels. The airport is adorned with various artworks, including sculptures, sound art pieces, murals, paintings, and photographs. While some of these artworks are displayed outside the airport or in the Jeppesen Terminal, others can only be viewed past airport security.

In recent years, the airport has undergone a $650 million Jeppesen Terminal renovation, which began in July 2018. As part of this renovation, several art pieces have been removed and stored until the construction is complete. This includes the controversial mural "Children of the World Dream of Peace" by Leo Tanguma, located in the east side baggage claim outside of the Great Hall. The artwork is being stored in a secure, clean, and climate-controlled fine art storage facility in the metro area.

"Children of the World Dream of Peace" is one of two murals by Tanguma that sparked widespread speculation and conspiracy theories. The other mural, "In Peace and Harmony with Nature," is located in the west side baggage claim. Both murals are divided into two sections, with themes of war, peace, environmental destruction, and environmental healing. The apocalyptic and new-world imagery in these murals, combined with the airport's urban legends, has led to various interpretations and conspiracy theories.

In addition to the murals, other artworks that have been removed during the renovation include "America, Why I Love Her" by Gary Sweeney, "Experimental Aviation" by Patty Ortiz, "Balustrade" by Betty Woodman, and "Notre Denver" by Terry Allen. The artists have been supportive of the protective measures taken to care for the artwork during the construction. The artwork is expected to be reinstalled by the end of 2021, once the terminal project is complete.

The airport's other artworks

Denver International Airport (DIA) is known for its unusual architecture, mythology, and underground tunnels. The airport is adorned with several intriguing artworks, including sculptures, sound art pieces, murals, paintings, and photographs. Many of the city's public artworks are installed at DIA, funded by 1% of Denver's major capital improvement projects. While some pieces can be viewed outside the airport or in the Jeppesen Terminal, others are accessible only past airport security. Here is a closer look at some of the notable artworks beyond the famous murals:

Dual Meridian

This sculpture by David Griggs is located in the A concourse and was built simultaneously with the airport in 1994. Weighing 35,927 pounds, it pays homage to transportation and transportation architecture. Griggs used a variety of materials, including titanium, fiberglass, granite, steel, aluminum, sandstone, slate, and rock, to depict the evolution of transportation from the Iron Age to the future. The artwork features train tracks, a projected map of the globe simulating flight, and an arch symbolizing space travel.

Patterns and Figures – Figures and Patterns

Created by Barb McKee and Darrell Anderson, this artwork is also located in the A concourse. Installed in 1994, it consists of eight-square-foot mosaic portraits and patterned borders crafted from terrazzo and one-inch ceramic tiles. While the pieces are visible at ground level, they are best viewed from above, preferably from the mezzanine level. Anderson's portraits depict individuals such as a cowboy, a hiker, a mother and child, a skier, and a pilot, reflecting the diverse array of people passing through DIA. McKee's borders incorporate references to Colorado's geography, history, ethnography, and other pictorial symbols.

Relax

Located in the quiet annex of the A concourse, this installation by Electroland consists of five light pieces designed to evoke themes commonly associated with travel, such as relaxation, caution, vacationing, advertising, self-reflection, arrival, and departure. The artwork is crafted from LED lights, tempered glass, photographs, and non-flammable acetate. It offers a calming atmosphere for adults and interactive elements for children, such as an infinite mirror.

Spirit of the People

This three-part exhibition, located in the A Gates, Y-Juncture Gallery, and the Jeppesen Terminal, uses paintings, photographs, murals, music, and narration to showcase the stories of Indigenous people living in Colorado. The exhibition features 90 works in total, including 62 photo murals of Indigenous tribal members from the region and four painted murals. As visitors walk across the passenger bridge, they can hear the musical piece "Red Tail Chasing Hawks" by Calvin Standing Bear and James Torres, specifically composed for the airport.

21st Century Artifacts

Embedded into the floor of each B Terminal sub-core, these artworks by Carolyn Braaksma and Mark Villareal utilize terrazzo, bronze, stone, and cement to showcase images inspired by Colorado's geology and geography, Indigenous symbols, and fossils discovered during DIA's construction, now housed in the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Jack Swigert Sculpture

Located on the train platform in the B concourse, this sculpture by George and Mike Lundeen commemorates John L. "Jack" Swigert, Jr., a Denver native and NASA astronaut who famously uttered the words, "Houston, we have a problem here," during the Apollo XIII mission. Swigert, a former fighter pilot and one of the few civilians in the space program, played a crucial role in guiding the ship back to Earth safely. He was also elected to Congress but passed away before taking office.

Beaded Circle Crossing

This giant sculpture by Alice Adams, located in the Center Core, features iron arches that draw inspiration from Eiffel and Calatrava architecture. The artwork is currently undergoing construction as the DIA staff seeks someone knowledgeable in neon to repair its colorful neon work.

Art Chronicles

Installed in 1994 when the airport opened, these seven photo murals by Alex Sweetman are located in multiple locations in the C concourse's East and West End. Sweetman's landscapes depict the evolution of the land where the airport stands, paying homage to the prairie and the wildlife that once inhabited it.

Vorticity

Suspended from the ceiling above the C concourse, these abstract sculptures by Anibal Catalan are made of aluminum, LED lights, and stainless steel. Their design mimics the slopes of the Rocky Mountains and the canopies of DIA. Arranged in a spiral formation, they reflect on the prevalence of this shape in nature, from shells to galaxies.

Untitled (Interior Garden)

Located above the train stop in the Center Core, this artwork by Michael Singer combines plant material, sculpture, and architecture to create a model ruin. It explores the complex relationship between humans, time, history, and nature.

The airport's history

Denver International Airport (DIA) is one of the largest airports in the United States. It first opened its doors on February 28, 1995, and is the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere by land area, spanning 52.4 square miles.

The airport was built to accommodate Denver's high volume of air traffic. By the 1960s, the former Stapleton International Airport was the sixth-busiest airport in the country, despite being much smaller than the current Denver International Airport.

In the 1980s, local officials began searching for a new location to build a larger and more expansive airport. The remote location of the current airport initially sparked skepticism about the construction of the complex. However, as artists began contributing their pieces to the airport, it gained a reputation for its intriguing art and unique architecture.

Denver's public art program, established in 1988, mandated that one per cent of any capital improvement project over $1 million completed by the city would be allocated to art as part of the project. This attracted numerous artists to the airport, eager to showcase their work to millions of people.

One of the most well-known artworks at DIA is the 32-foot-tall blue mustang statue, "Blucifer", created by Luis Jiménez. The statue has been linked to various conspiracy theories due to its eerie red eyes and the tragic death of its creator during construction.

In addition to "Blucifer", the airport houses several other artworks that have sparked speculation and theories. The two murals by artist Leo Tanguma, "Children of the World Dream of Peace" and "In Peace and Harmony with Nature", are particularly notable. These murals depict themes of war, peace, and environmental destruction, and have been interpreted by some as containing apocalyptic and new-world imagery, fueling conspiracy theories about the airport.

Despite the theories, Tanguma has stated that his murals are intended to inspire hope and promote peace and environmental stewardship among the world's youth. The airport has embraced its reputation as a hub of conspiracy theories, offering tours and information to curious visitors.

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