More than two decades ago, Curt Fentress got Denver International Airport off the ground, designing the iconic tent-roofed terminal after the Perez Group's plans crashed and burned. But when the city decided to expand DIA, it snubbed Denver-based Fentress, going with starchitect Santiago Calatrava.

Who bailed on the project last September, after two years and close to $13 million in fees.

Not that Fentress needed the work. In the last two decades, he's designed airports all around the world. Even though he's not involved in DIA's south terminal project, he's made his mark all over Denver. And now his portfolio is about to take off: Now Boarding: Fentress Airports + The Architecture of Flight -- the first-ever museum exhibition to explore the past, present, and future of airport design -- opens this weekend at the Denver Art Museum.

Here's a preview:

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When Curt Fentress designed the DIA terminal, he didn't envision that Martians would take up residence under the building. Or did he? Read more in "DIA conspiracy theories take off."

• Calhoun: Wake-Up Call