Route 66 Remixed Puts Creativity in the Driver’s Seat

Route 66 Remixed, an innovative public art project reimagining Albuquerque’s 18-mile stretch of the historic highway, will be a signature attraction of the City of Albuquerque’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration. Led by the City's Department of Arts & Culture, the project invites locals and visitors alike to explore the highway’s legacy through murals, sculptures, and augmented reality (AR) experiences.

With support from Visit Albuquerque, New Mexico Tourism Department, community organizations, and property owners, Route 66 Remixed transforms Albuquerque's Central Avenue (aka Route 66) into an art-fueled road trip across the city. Along the Route, travelers will discover large-scale public art installations and site-specific digital activations that reflect the stories, traditions, and people that have helped shape Albuquerque. Route 66 Remixed is  created in partnership with Meow Wolf, Refract Studio, and local artists.

“Route 66 is a defining part of Albuquerque’s identity,” said Arts & Culture Director Dr. Shelle Sanchez. “Route 66 Remixed will give both residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the Mother Road like never before on each and every day of the Centennial, rather than only during specific events.”

“Route 66 Remixed is an exciting way to honor our past while looking to the future,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This Centennial project transforms our stretch of the Mother Road into an immersive, accessible celebration of art, culture, and community.”

The first Route 66 Remixed mural completed is at the Historic El Rey Theater at 7th and Central. The collaborative mural by Jesse Littlebird and Thomas Christopher Haag reflects Albuquerque’s artistic vibrancy and cultural dynamism.

Nearing completion is the University of New Mexico Arts Lab mural at University and Central by Noé Barnett and Travis Black. The mural merges contemporary aesthetics with historical narratives of travelers and trade.

Once launched, visitors can experience each site on its own or explore all the curated stops via a web interface. The project will feature Hakim Bellamy, Albuquerque’s inaugural Poet Laureate, as the road trip narrator and storyteller.

The official Albuquerque Route 66 Centennial website is www.rt66abq.com, which will be updated as the installations are completed.

Installations include:

-Singing Arrow Open Space AR Experience by Deb Jojola
-East Central Open Sky Sign Installations by Nazario Sandoval
-Talin Market AR Experience by Helen Atkins
-Guild Theater AR Experience by Dale Deforest
-M’tucci’s Bar Roma Sculpture by Nazario Sandoval
-Route 66 Shield at Triangle Park by TBD
-University of New Mexico Arts Lab Mural by Noé Barnett and Travis Black
-Special Collections Library AR Experience by Jessica Helen Lopez
-Historic Crossroads (4th & Central) AR & Installation by Gael Luna and Carmen Montes
-505 Central Food Hall Mural by Lynnette Haozous
-Historic El Rey Theater Mural by Jesse Littlebird and Thomas Christopher Haag
-Albuquerque Museum Sculpture Garden AR Experience by Sonja Killer 
-ABQ BioPark Aquarium and Botanic Garden AR Experience by Lea Anderson
-Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) Bus Wrap Traveling Installation by Dante Betsch
-Route 66 Visitor Center AR & Mural by Akilah Martinez and PAZ/Mapitzmitl
-Nine Mile Hill AR Experience by Karl Orozco

Read February’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration announcement here: https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/news/celebrating-albuquerque2019s-story-along-route-66