DIA opened 1995 and is now the fifth busiest airport in the US with many major airlines scheduling flights in and out. Coming from the Intercontinental Airport Frankfurt, we expected to arrive at another typical big city airport complex but what we found upon landing was something no less efficient but altogether different. The Denver International Airport was designed to move your body and your mind. DIA has the one of largest public art programs in American history with a .5 million budget for local and national artists to create works specifically for this unique setting. The art focuses on several themes including western life, travel, light and space. We found, immediately upon exiting our plane, not cold concrete walls but a poignant portrait presentation of Native American Tribal Chiefs with original musical accompaniment from the Ute. We were prepared and expected to learn about the Native Americans and their rich history on our journey but this first contact was a touching and emotional surprise. We stopped and turned instinctively to the portraits despite the hurrying of our fellow passengers. Because of this we found ourselves at the end of the queue for customs and immigration. The queue moved swiftly and we soon reached the light flooded arrival area where our eyes were drawn to a dramatic ceiling designed and stylized to emulate native tepees. Needless to say, we were very impressed by the artistic, architectural and cultural statements at DIA. Our curiosity and anticipation about what lay ahead grew even more. |
