Denver International Airport

The Bird Lot, home to DCPA Off-Center’s newest immersive experience DARKFIELD, encloses three white shipping containers, each with large black letters on the sides. One reads SÉANCE, one reads FLIGHT, and the last reads COMA. They’re a bit mysterious, not revealing any secrets as to what might be inside.

Construction signs during DIA’s recent project

We’ll let you in on one tiny detail: FLIGHT is modeled after an airplane interior. The rest of the experience is best if you’re left in the dark – literally.

As Denver is home to one of the world’s largest international airports, it seems fitting to host a flight-themed experience. But did you know the Denver International Airport is just as mysterious and surprising as its DARKFIELD neighbor?

DIA’s Runway Layout

The conspiracy theories began when the airport construction started in 1989. Denver’s original airport, located in what was formerly known as Stapleton and is now Central Park, was still a fully functioning international hub. Many residents believed the new airport to be completely unnecessary. This developed into the belief that the airport construction must be covering up far more suspicious and nefarious structures. These structures may or may not include an underground bunker and intricate tunnel network.

While the underground tunnels are sincerely meant for airport construction crews and maintenance, DIA has since leaned into the “ridiculousness” of it all, putting up signage during its recent construction project that hint at secret projects and conspiracies.

On a more sinister note, many believe DIA to be associated with the New World Order which hypothesizes a secretly emerging totalitarian world government. One reason for this? A questionable layout of the airport runways. In reality, the pinwheel layout allows for multiple runways to be used at one time, and minimizes the chance for runway closures in cases of strong winds or inclement weather.

Blue Mustang by Luis Jiménez

Another reason for this speculated association is the airport’s dedication crest, which credits the “New World Airport Commission.” While many question the naming, the purpose of the commission was to arrange festivities for the airport’s opening and was disbanded shortly afterward. For the record, Mr. Ansbacher, a conductor for the Colorado Springs Symphony, named the committee for Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor, “From the New World,” more commonly known as the “New World Symphony.”

Beyond the theories and speculation is literal artwork found inside and outside the airport. Most recognizable is Blue Mustang, the massive and iconic sculpture visible when driving into the airport. This blue horse, nicknamed “Blucifer” (shortened from Blue Lucifer), rears up on his hind legs, red eyes gleaming as he watches over the Rocky Mountains. Many claim this sculpture is cursed after the accidental death of its sculptor, Luis Jiménez. He was killed in an industrial accident during the construction of Blue Mustang, when a piece fell on him.

Notre Denver by Terry Allen

Near baggage claim, two gargoyles watch over your luggage as it is ferried in. While seated inside open suitcases and simply inspired by Gothic architecture, many consider the gargoyles to be frightening. But, the gargoyles are simply intended for protection.

There are many more conspiracies tied to DIA. Take a look at the Denver Public Library’s in-depth article outlining its storied history.