ABQ Times

The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture, Visit Albuquerque, and other partners have announced plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66. This historic route has played a significant role in shaping the city's landscape. The celebration will span two seasons and include a comprehensive event website, art installations, augmented reality experiences, and various special events.

Mayor Tim Keller remarked on the significance of Route 66: “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.” He emphasized that the centennial provides an opportunity to highlight what makes Albuquerque's stretch of Route 66 unique.

Visit Albuquerque has launched a dedicated website for the centennial at www.Route66ABQ.com. It features historical images and resources for both locals and tourists to explore events related to Route 66 in Albuquerque.

Ripe, Inc. has designed a special logo for the centennial and is working with Arts & Culture on commemorative merchandise. Santa Fe-based Refract Studio is developing an augmented reality storytelling adventure at key locations along Route 66 in Albuquerque. Local firm Jak + Flux is also creating an interactive project focused on public art installations along the route.

Arts & Culture is collaborating with Meow Wolf to develop large-scale mural and interactive art installations along Route 66. Vince Kadlubek from Meow Wolf expressed excitement about partnering with local artists: “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.”

Tania Armenta, President & CEO of Visit Albuquerque, highlighted the importance of Route 66 for tourism: “Route 66 is a cornerstone of Albuquerque’s tourism industry... The Centennial is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our city and state on a global stage.”

The celebration involves partnerships with several organizations including New Mexico Tourism Department, National Park Service, National Endowment for the Arts, National Trust for Historic Preservation, business owners, and stakeholders.

Lancing Adams from New Mexico Department of Tourism noted: "New Mexico is a key fixture in the history... From Tucumcari to Gallup... we’re ready to continue our work in 2025 so New Mexico can put its best foot forward."

Dr. Shelle Sanchez from Arts & Culture commented on how Route 66 connects different aspects of Albuquerque: "Route 66 is... connecting historic neighborhoods... all with our unique Albuquerque flavor.”

In addition to cultural initiatives, infrastructure improvements are being made by various city departments along Route 66 to ensure lasting benefits from these centennial efforts.

For more information about these celebrations visit www.Route66ABQ.com.