There are several
conspiracy theories relating to the airport's
design and construction such as the runways being laid out in a shape similar to a
swastika. Murals painted in the baggage claim area have been claimed to contain themes referring to future military oppression and a
one-world government. However, the artist, Leo Tanguma, said the murals, titled "In Peace and Harmony With Nature" and "The Children of the World Dream of Peace," depict man-made
environmental destruction and
genocide along with humanity coming together to heal nature and live in peace.
[75]
Conspiracists have also seen unusual markings in the terminals in DIA and have recorded them as "
Templar" markings.
[76] They have pointed to unusual words cut into the floor as being
Satanic,
Masonic, or some impenetrable
secret code of the
New World Order:
Cochetopa, Sisnaajini and
Dzit Dit Gaii.
[77] These words are actually
Navajo terms for geographical sites in Colorado. "Braaksma" and "Villarreal" are actually the names of Carolyn Braaksma and Mark Villarreal, artists who worked on the airport's sculptures and paintings.
[78]
There is a dedication marker in the airport inscribed with the words "New World Airport Commission". It also is inscribed with the
Square and Compasses of the
Freemasons, along with a listing of the two
Grand Lodges of Freemasonry in Colorado. It is mounted over a
time capsule that was sealed during the dedication of the airport, to be opened in 2094. The Freemasons participated in laying this "
capstone" (the last, finishing stone) of the airport project.
[77]
Robert Blaskiewicz writing for
Skeptical Inquirer Magazine states that conspiracies about the airport range from the "absurd to the even more absurd". When asking airport media representatives about which conspiracies are associated with the airport, he was told "You name a conspiracy theory and somehow we seem to be connected to it." Blaskiewicz found that contrary to claims from conspiracy theorists that DIA will not discuss these stories with the public, they also give tours of the airport.
[79]
Denver and jurisdictions surrounding the airport are involved in a protracted dispute over how to develop land around the facility. Denver Mayor
Michael Hancock wants to add commercial development around the airport, but officials in Adams County believe doing so violates the original agreement that allowed Denver to annex the land on which the airport sits.
[80