You’ve probably heard “things” about the Denver Airport, from secret underground alien bases to murals depicting the coming of the New World Order. There’s probably nothing to any of it (right?) but as conspiracy theories go, the Denver Airport’s deep dark secrets are so much fun — and a rabbit hole we were more than willing to go down.

First, here’s what we know to be true: The Denver International Airport and its surrounding property, or DIA, is enormous (like, twice the size of Manhattan enormous). In 2023, 77.8 million travelers passed through its perfectly normal, non-secret doors and didn't end up in the underworld. And its passenger terminal is world-famous for its unique, tent-like architecture inspired by the surrounding snow-covered Rockies.

But as the old saying goes, never let the facts get in the way of a good story. Without further ado, here our our top five most favorite conspiracy theories about DIA:

1. Secret Societies

The airport was built by the [name your favorite] secret society. So secret, in fact, that no one is sure which one. Everyone has their guesses, though, from the New World Order to the Illuminati to Diddy (too soon?) One of the most favorite theories, though, is that the airport was constructed by the Masons. That’s due to a capstone at the airport’s south entrance that was placed on March 19, 1994, and bears masonic symbolatry. There’s a time capsule buried beneath it, containing “messages and memorabilia to the people of Colorado in 2094.”

Bonus conspiracy: There’s a braille tablet located right above the dedication stone, which some people think is actually a keypad. If you touch the raised dots in the right order, you can open the time capsule. (Has Josh Gates tried this?) There are even reports of Masons swiping their membership cards near the time capsule … you know… just in case.

*Photo from:* Flickr.com/photos/kwreinsch

2. Blucifer

The airport’s mascot is a 32-foot tall, imposing sculpture of a bright blue Mustang rearing up on its hind legs. Lovingly nicknamed "Blucifer," the horse has eerie red eyes that light up at night and a menacing appearance that many find disturbing — but we find fascinating. It was created to showcase a symbol of the West and an early method of ground-based distance travel, but gained a reputation for being cursed when it actually killed its creator, artist Luis Jiménez, by falling on him during construction and severing an artery in his leg.

3. Underground Bunkers and Secret Tunnels

The intrusive thoughts telling people to sneak through a door that says “Do Not Enter” is strong at the DIA, especially if it could lead to the property’s alleged massive underground bunkers and miles and miles of tunnel systems. Word on the street is that the tunnels are real, but their use is mundane — for transportation, storage, utilities, and the like — but where’s the fun in that? The conspiracy theorists have a better idea: the underground caverns were built as an emergency refuge for the elite in the event of an apocalypse or government takeover, while others believe they are home to the repitilians (more on that below.)

4. Aliens and Reptilians and Bigfoot, Oh My

This is one of our favorite conspiracy theories, because how cool would it be if it were true? This one posits that the airport is linked to ET activity (reptilians, specifically), based on alleged alien symbols embedded in the runways, as well as reports of “unusual” sightings around the property. The underground bunkers could either be home to these non-Earthlings, or just a secret meeting point for the secret extraterrestrial government that’s working in collaboration with the lizard people to bring about THE NEW WORLD ORDER!!! Shakes fist menacingly

PS: There’s actually no connection between DIA and Bigfoot whatsoever, but it is Colorado, so you never know. (Is this how rumors get started?)

5. Ominous Artwork

We saved the best for last, because if this conspiracy theory is true, it’s right out there in plain sight for everyone to see. DIA is filled with art, including two huge murals by artist Leo Tanguma that contain disturbing and highly contrasting scenes of either death and destructrion or peace, love, and happiness. The artist says that’s exactly what the murals are supposed to showcase — man’s power to defeat war and live in harmony with one another and the planet, but why take the actual person who drew the artwork at his word. It definitely, probably, predicts our dystopian future.

Another piece of art, Alex Sweetman’s “Art Chronicles,” is a series of photographs documenting the construction of the airport. Innocent enough … until you get to the picture of sunflowers dead in a field. Artists are so moody.

Honorable Mentions

The list of myths and legends associated with DIA is long:

You know the airport’s coordinates? Given to architects by aliens.

Those weird markings on the walls and buildings? Secret codes to and from members of secret societies.

And the mining cart carved into the tile in the Great Hall — the one with the letters Au and Ag for silver and gold? That’s really an abbreviation for Australian antigen, the deadly chemical weapon that the Illuminati will use to gain power over us mere mortals.

Nothing to See Here

One of the best ways to try and lay a conspiracy theory to rest is to call it by its name, and that’s what the airport does on the regular. In the past, it has hosted an art exhibit called “Conspiracy Theories Uncovered,” that highlighted the greatest hits and even included an (employee-made) alien skull.

The airport’s marketing department has also poked fun at its conspiracy theories through advertising, including an X-Files-inspired #DENFILES social media campaign.

The employees say it’s all in fun. But if you ask us, it sounds like something an airport with lizard people living in the basement would do.

Our Top 5 Most Favorite Conspiracy Theories About the Denver Airport

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