Celebrating Albuquerque’s Story Along Route 66
Today, the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture, Visit Albuquerque, and programming partners unveiled plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the legendary Route 66, a vital cultural and historical corridor that has long helped define the city’s landscape. The celebration is gearing up to be a historic and vibrant milestone with exciting plans for the two-season long commemoration with a comprehensive event website, immersive art installations, cutting-edge augmented reality (A/R) experiences, and a host of special events that will bring the iconic route to life in new and innovative ways.
“Route 66 is an iconic part of Albuquerque’s story, and when you see the revitalization happening along Central in Downtown today, that story is as much about our future as it is our past,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This Centennial gives us a chance to showcase our identity and celebrate what’s so special about our 18-mile stretch of the Mother Road.”
To kick off two seasons of celebration, Visit Albuquerque, the city’s official destination marketing organization, has created a Route 66 Centennial website - www.Route66ABQ.com. The site features a historic image slider with “Then and Now” perspectives, stories, and an array of resources for locals and tourists to explore Albuquerque’s segment of Route 66 and events that will be taking place.
In addition, Ripe, Inc. designed a special Albuquerque Route 66 Centennial logo and branding materials. The firm is also collaborating with Arts & Culture to develop commemorative merchandise.
Santa Fe-based Refract Studio is developing an A/R storytelling adventure at eight key locations along Albuquerque’s Route 66. In addition, local firm Jak + Flux is creating an interactive A/R project that will explore public art installations along the route.
Arts & Culture is also developing a series of large-scale mural and interactive art installations along the Route in partnership with Meow Wolf, the nationally renowned immersive arts collective based in New Mexico. This initiative will bring together community artists and property owners to enhance Central Avenue with dynamic public art.
“We at Meow Wolf are absolutely thrilled to partner with the City of Albuquerque and work alongside local artists on this monumental Route 66 project. It’s a chance to blend our creative energies with the heart of this community and create something truly historic,” said Vince Kadlubek, Meow Wolf’s chief vision officer.
A foundation of Albuquerque’s Centennial celebration is the collaboration between the Arts & Culture and Visit Albuquerque. This partnership will ensure that Albuquerque’s Route 66 Centennial will be promoted and celebrated on a global scale.
“Route 66 is a cornerstone of Albuquerque’s tourism industry, drawing visitors from around the world who contribute to the city’s economy and support local businesses,” said President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque Tania Armenta. “The Centennial is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our city and state on a global stage and strengthen Albuquerque’s position as a must-visit destination for years to come.”
Arts & Culture has also secured grant funding from the New Mexico Tourism Department, the National Park Service, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Other key partnerships include the National Trust for Historic Preservation and many Route 66 business owners and stakeholders.
“New Mexico is a key fixture in the history and heritage of Route 66 and the New Mexico Tourism Department is prepared to capitalize on this incredible milestone. From Tucumcari to Gallup, we’ve seen community stakeholders gather to share creative and thoughtful ideas for promotions, products, special events, and infrastructure improvements that will enhance the visitor experience along the Mother Road. We’re ready to continue our work in 2025 so New Mexico can put its best foot forward for the 100 year celebration,” said Acting Cabinet Secretary of New Mexico Department of Tourism Lancing Adams.
"Route 66 is and continues to be a vital thread across our city, connecting historic neighborhoods, showcasing world-class architecture and signage, lowriders and classics, neon and art—all with our unique Albuquerque flavor,” said Director of Arts & Culture Dr. Shelle Sanchez. “We are looking forward to highlighting our eighteen miles of the historic route.”
Investment in this historic roadway doesn’t stop there. Other City of Albuquerque departments have worked together to implement infrastructure improvements, new lighting, housing initiatives, and redevelopment projects along Route 66, ensuring that the Centennial efforts leave a lasting impact in Albuquerque for years to come.
For more information, visit the Route 66 Centennial website at Route66ABQ.com.