Beyond being Colorado’s biggest travel hub, Denver International Airport is the site of myths, legends, and surprises—read on to discover them.
Ready for a trip? This summer, Coloradans and visitors alike will visit the largest airport in the Centennial State, Denver International Airport (DEN). But even if you’re a far-from-frequent flyer, you may have heard some rather outlandish rumors and tall tales about the airport. From secret passageways to mystical creatures, DEN isn’t just a regional hub for air travel; it’s legendary.
But what, exactly, are all these stories? How did they get started? And tall tales or not, what should you bear in mind if you’re flying out of (or into) Denver International sometime soon? Well, there’s no need for a tinfoil hat or a spooky fireside as we dig into the mythology (and uncover the truth) surrounding Denver International Airport.
The legend of ‘Blucifer’
You know him. You’ve seen him before. Frankly, he’s hard to miss. Perhaps the most iconic sight at Denver International Airport is the enormous, bright-blue mustang statue with fiery red eyes, sometimes referred to by the nickname “Blucifer.”
The statue, which was commissioned in 1992, wasn’t installed at the airport until 2008, two years after the death of its artist, Luis Jimenez. Tragically, Jimenez was killed in his studio when a piece of the sculpture fell on him and severed an artery. His family eventually decided to complete the sculpture and have it installed in his honor.
The statue, which is officially titled “Mustang,” was designed as a symbol of the American West after previous proposals for bison were rejected. But “Blucifer,” as Coloradans call him, has become a controversial figure in the state, with some going as far as petitioning to have him removed, while others scour Etsy for shirts, caps, and other merchandise depicting the airport icon. There are even plush versions for those who find him cuddly!
Mysterious murals
The surprising, and often-mythologized art at DEN doesn’t end with mighty Blucifer, or even with the pair of “Notre Denver” gargoyles protecting baggage claim.
Although they’re currently in storage due to renovations, a series of murals decorating the airport have garnered mixed opinions. The pieces, by artist Leo Tanguma, depict contrasted themes. For example, there are murals depicting war and peace, and environmental destruction and rebirth. The “darker” elements of each pair (like a devilish soldier wearing a gas mask and wielding ammunition above sleeping children) have disturbed many an airport visitor.
While there have been conspiracy theorists who believe there are coded messages in the murals, the real messages are more important. The pieces are there to make people think about the good and bad in the world, and how all have a part to play in creating a better place than we were born into.
About the secret tunnels …
Of course, the secret legends of DEN aren’t just a matter of art criticism. They’re also based on some unique airport architecture—specifically, the “secret tunnels.”
There are plenty of zany myths about the tunnels—including that they go miles into the Earth, are underground bunkers in case of emergency, or act as the holding site for space aliens captured by the government.
The tunnels aren’t really secret; they’re publicly acknowledged by the airport. Apparently, they house office space as well as the trains that take baggage from the tarmac to the baggage claim conveyor belts. They are also only one or two stories deep, not miles down into the ground. So you may see figures moving through them, if you were ever to go down there, but they’re not aliens or disaster relief workers; just ordinary airport employees.
A secret society?
So, was there any single entity behind all of these quirks and myths? Like maybe … a secret society?
For years now, rumors have flown that all of DEN’s quirks and idiosyncrasies are the works of the Illuminati, the Freemasons, or another secretive organization. In fact, the Netflix cartoon “Inside Job,” which parodies conspiracy theories, uses DEN as the airport of choice for travel to “the Shadow World.” But how did these rumors get started?
Mostly, it’s rooted in a silly misunderstanding. While there are no secret societies in the airport, you will see symbols of the Freemasons. Specifically, on the airport’s dedication stone, the compass and square (two Masonic symbols) are engraved alongside the names of two Masonic lodges in the Denver area. Why? Because the members of the Masonic lodges carved and donated the stone! The name “masons” refers to stonemasonry, after all.
Travel tips & tricks
While there may not be any secret societies lurking at the airport, there are “secrets” you should be aware of if you’re planning a trip and need to catch a flight there.
Beyond the usual airport tips (be sure to pack liquids separately and get there early to avoid stress at the security lines), you should also be aware that there’s an automated train that can take you between concourses—this can be especially useful if you have a long wait and want to grab a bite or check out a shop that’s some distance from your gates.
If you’re a nervous flyer, you should also be aware of a very special airport amenity that you may want to take advantage of: the therapy animals! The Canine Airport Therapy Squad (ironically known as CATS) consists of trained therapy dogs (and one therapy cat) who you can pet, cuddle, and even grab a selfie with as you wait for your flight! A perfect way to “paws” for a break!
While waiting for your flight, you can also have a drink at the new Williams and Graham’s bookstore-speakeasy (the books aren’t for sale but are take-one, leave-one) or pick up a secret snack that’s only available at the airport. Beloved Denver dessert spot Little Man Ice Cream has an outlet at Concourse C, and it’s there, and only there, that you’ll find the Illuminati Shake. The shake, with a vanilla base, Maraschino, and absinthe, is a boozy treat worthy of a secret society!
Beyond that, Denver International Airport has gotten in on the fun with its storied reputation. Airport employees have been known to play pranks on each other and visitors by wearing costumes and rubber masks. During construction operations in 2018, signs depicting aliens and lizards in office attire announced that certain areas were closed off… hinting at something a bit more mysterious than ordinary renovations.
