mural project route 66

The New Mexico History Museum (NMHM) is seeking an artist or artist team to create an original indoor mural to commemorate the centennial founding of Route 66. The mural will be installed in the New Mexico History Museum’s lobby where it will be enjoyed by more than 80,000 visitors of all ages during its time on display.

November 11, 2026, marks the centennial anniversary of the establishment of U.S. Route 66. This iconic highway that stretched from Illinois to California was the primary road for western migration and tourism for decades. As American automobile ownership increased, the highway became a symbol of freedom and escape. The influx of visitors and residents sparked a boom for business and trade including restaurants, motels, shops, and roadside attractions.

The mural will be on view for one (1) year January 2026 – January 2027 with an opening reception in January 2026. The selected design should include elements depicting Route 66 in New Mexico and its historical significance to the state. Artists should consider not only the landscape and iconography of Route 66 but its social and cultural impact. The design should be appropriate for audiences of all ages.

Site Information:

The mural will be installed on the east wall of the main lobby of the Pete Domenici Building on the campus of the New Mexico History Museum. The wall dimensions are 26ft wide x 11ft high with some restricted areas due to electrical outlets or fire alarms. The mural does not need to cover all wall space from floor to ceiling. The wall is currently drywall/sheetrock with texture and painted teal. NMHM will prime wall if needed. The mural will be visible from the primary entrance into the museum (a distance of approximately 75 feet) as well as up close since it is situated at the museum’s central circulation hub. See attached picture. Artists will only be able to work on the mural during regular museum hours (Saturday-Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-7pm. NMHM will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Timeline:

September 8 - Mural Proposal and Concept Designs Presentations Due

September 15 - Selected Artist Notified (start contracts)

December 31 - Mural installation deadline

January 4 - Opening Reception with artist