Ever since its opening in 1995, the Denver Airport has intrigued travelers with its unique features – from its horse statue known as “Blucifer” to its cryptic dedication plaque to its apocalyptic murals and giant tunnels. Over the years they have fueled dozens of conspiracy theories saying the airport is actually a cover for secret societies, hidden bunkers… and secret military bases.
Elevator in the Denver Airport supposedly leading to the underground tunnels. Courtesy of 9News
Inside one of Denver Airport’s tunnels courtesy of Stephanie Butzer/Denver7
Children of the World Dream of Peace by Leo Tanguma Courtesy of Denver Public Art
Another panel of Children of the World Dream of Peace by Leo Tanguma courtesy of DenverLibrary.org
In Peace and Harmony with Nature by Leo Tanguma courtesy of PublicArchive.org
The statue known as “Blucifer” outside the airport.
The Gargoyles at Denver Airport courtesy of Fred Cherrygarden / Atlas Obscura User
Au Ag image in the Denver Airport courtesy of DenverLibrary.org
Episode Source Material
ACADEMIC PAPERS
WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA/MESSAGE BOARDS
- The definitive guide to Denver International Airport’s biggest conspiracy theories. (online article).
- A local’s guide to DIA conspiracy theories. (online article).
- Chasing conspiracy theories at the Denver Airport. (online article).
- Why the Denver Airport started embracing its conspiracy theories. (online article).
- 6 conspiracy theories people believe about the Denver airport, debunked. (online article).
- Stapleton International Airport. (website).
- $1.2 billion makeover for DIA. (online article).
- An investigation into the underground tunnels of DIA. (online article).
- Luis Jimenez, sculptor, dies in an accident at 65. (obituary).
- What’s the deal with the talking gargoyles at the Denver airport? (online article).
- Denver International Airport seeking qualified artists to create art for concourse expansion. (website).
- The T R I P. (online PDF).
- Exciting things to do at the airport. (website).
- Bored at DIA? Take a tour of the airport’s public art. (online article).
- How D.I.A.’s murals feed conspiracy theorist. (online article).
- Artist opportunities at DEN. (website).
- Unlocking the mystery: what is a capstone in a building? (website).
- The New World Order: the historical origins of a dangerous modern conspiracy theory. (website).
- How long is 32 feet? (website).
- DIA, death, & a demon horse: a conspiracy of Luis Jimenez and his most infamous sculpture. (online article).
- Hoof beats: Blucifer and the four horsemen. (online article).
- Four horsemen of the apocalypse. (website).
- Antigen. (website).
- Coronavirus spike protein. (Wikipedia article).
- COVID-19 vaccine basics. (website).
- Conspiracy corner: the not-so-secret secrets of the Denver International Airport. (online article).
- Airport info and fast facts. (website).
- Denver International Airport. (Wikipedia article).
- Resplendent quetzal. (website).
- New World Order conspiracy theory. (Wikipedia article).
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind: plot. (website).
- Dive into the strange conspiracies surrounding Denver International Airport. (online article).
- Great Hall Program. (website).
- Myths and legends behind Denver International Airport. (website).
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. (Wikipedia article).
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. (wikipedia article).
- New World Airport Commission records, 1986-1998. (library entry).
- How do airlines get the bags from one city to the next? (online article).
- 8 biggest cost overruns happened in construction. (online article).
- DIA conspiracies take off. (website).
- Phil Schneider. (online obituary).
- Denver International Airport to Blucifer, Denver, CO 80249. (Google maps directions).
- Blucifer: the story of Denver Airport’s ‘Blue Mustang’ sculpture from Luis Jimenez. (online article).