
Whether arriving to the Mile High City for the first time or having lived here your entire life, the tented main terminal at DIA is an architectural marvel to revere. Originally dreamt up in 1989, the Stapleton Airport replacement project didn’t open until 1995 under Mayor Wellington Webb.

Denver International Airport's C Concourse (credit: CBS)
Public art plays a major role in DIA, from the instillation piece by Antonette Rosato and William Maxwell in the underground transit system, to the emotionally moving murals by Leo Tanguma near baggage claim, spaces are curated into gallery-worthy art exhibitions all over the airport, just waiting to be discovered.
CBS4 PHOTO GALLERY: Fall Day At DIA
A Concourse

Kirby Hairgrove of Lakewood took this photo of a Frontier Airlines plane at Denver International Airport.
Artworks such as “Dual Meridian” sculpture by David Griggs and “Patterns and Figures” by Barb McKee and Darrell Anderson can be seen in the A concourse alongside the rotating exhibitions curated by DIA’s own art director. Hungry passengers can find quick bites at Caribou Coffee or sweet treats at Ben and Jerry’s. Those with a more relaxed schedule can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Chef Jimmy’s Bistro and Spirits. Shopping can be found throughout DIA with A concourse host to Colorado Crossroads giftshop, Hudson Booksellers and Radio Road/Fly Babies clothing and apparel.
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 6:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
B Concourse

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Prolific dining options in the B concourse include Wolfgang Puck, Cantina Grill, Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli, Itza Wrap! Itza Bowl!, Jamba Juice and several others. Spirit of the Red Horse offers great Colorado-themed shopping for last minute keepsakes and Native American inspired jewelry, while I-Tech X-Perience has all the newest gizmos and gadgets for the more technically inclined. One of the more busy concourses, B is alive with the energy and excitement of travel.
Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily
C Concourse
For flyers of Southwest, this is where you’ll be heading. Accessible only by tram from the main terminal, C concourse is worth the commute for Rock Bottom Brewery. Other dining options include DazBog Coffee, Lefty’s Front Range Grille, and Timberline Steaks and Grille.
Adjacent to Timberline is the only smoking lounge on C concourse, Smokin’ Bear Lodge Smoking Lounge. A $5 minimum is required to enjoy the lounge, with food available from Timberline.
Hours: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily
Hours: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily
Main Terminal and Baggage Claim
Whether stuck at the airport or waiting to pick someone up, the main terminal is not only great for people watching, but the soaring atrium created in the tent-like atmosphere is host to several shops and restaurants.Public artwork has found its home here as well—from the playful “Experimental Aviation” paper airplanes piece by Patty Ortiz to the monumental sculpture of Elrey Jeppesen, the historic aviation figure for which the main terminal was named after.
RELATED: A Guide To Art In DIA
Insider Tips
When traveling to and from Denver, remember these few insider tips for domestic and international travelers.

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Security: If traveling from concourse A, skip the long security lines and opt for the pedestrian bridge security checkpoint. Not only will it save you time but afford views of the Rocky Mountains and curated art exhibitions. It’s the only passenger bridge in the United State where people can watch a plane taxi beneath them.
At the gate: Check out some of the Colorado-owned businesses such as DazBog Coffee and Colorado Collection. Make sure to take time to appreciate the gallery-quality artwork through out each of the terminals as well.
To get to DIA: The airport is approximately 30 minutes from Downtown Denver. Allow for extra travel time if traveling during peak seasons, rush hours, or during bad weather. Pena Boulevard is accessible by both I-70 and E-470, E-470 is a toll road.
More Traveler Tips: Even before leaving the house call the airline to see that it’s on time. Check in online if possible. Plan on arriving at the airport 2 hours prior to the flight departure time. To get through security as smoothly as possible, remember it’s one carry-on bag and one personal item per traveler. Leave holiday gifts unwrapped — the Transportation Security Administration may open wrapped packages to check the contents.

The Mustang statue at Denver International Airport. The title of the piece is Mustang / Mesteño, by Luis Jiménez (1940-2006) (credit: CBS)
Scavenger Hunt: If you experience a layover at DIA or have some extra time, a good way to spend it is by doing a scavenger hunt in the airport. Click here to get a scavenger hunt guide: DIA Scavenger Hunt.
Helpful Info
Visit www.flydenver.com to learn more about DIA, check on flight status, and browse the traveler information. There are two telephone numbers that might be useful. The first is (303) DIA-PARK for parking availability in DIA lots. And (303) DIA-TIPS for information on security-screening wait times.