Compact museum displaying relics from the bygone Route 66 area, including autos, photos & gas pumps.
New Mexico Route 66 Museum, a unique experience, and look into the Land of Enchantment's Route 66 heritage. From Glenrio to Gallup, the Ozark Trails system to today's Historic Route 66 and everything in between. "Be Enchanted" and explore our state's 604 miles of original Route 66.
This well curated little museum, which is located along historic Route 66, next door to the Tucumcari Convention Center, is well worth a stop on any Interstate 40 road trip. There’s accessible parking next to the museum, with level access to the building. Inside, there’s plenty of room to wheel around the large gallery filled with vintage cars, old signs, Route 66 memorabilia and the largest public collection of Route 66 photographs in the US. Photographer Michael Campanelli’s images line the walls, and take visitors on a virtual Route 66 tour from California to Illinois. The cars, which are from local collections, are rotated throughout the season; and the volunteers that staff the museum are very knowledgeable – and enthusiastic – about Route 66. This nostalgic roadside attraction is open limited hours from March to October, so check the website for the current operating schedule to avoid disappointment.
HOURS: 9AM to 5PM Monday, Friday, Saturday
9AM-1PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or anytime with a group appointment
The New Mexico Route 66 Museum offers a unique look into New Mexico's Route 66 heritage, as well as a wide range of representation, from Glenrio to Gallup and everywhere in between. From Route 66's beginnings in New Mexico with the Ozark Trails system to today's Historic Route 66, we offer a unique perspective of the Mother Road's history in our great state "The Land of Enchantment".
Our current exhibits include: Michael Campanelli's Route 66 Photo Exhibit with over 166 photos of Route 66 from Chicago to L.A. all on one wall, vintage diner display with Rock-Ola juke box, gas pumps, porcelain signs, memorabilia, Loretta Lynn signed Route 66 guitar, New Mexico Route 66 history displays, an audio/visual presentation, classic automobiles including a 1929 Ford Model A Sedan, 1931 Ford Model A Coupe, 1937 Studebaker President, 1956 Mercury Montclair, 1963 Studebaker GT, 1975 Plymouth Fury and much more.
LOCATION
The New Mexico Route 66 Museum is in Tucumcari, New Mexico on the south side of the Convention Center at 1500 West Route 66 Blvd. Drive around towards the back of the parking lot and look for our building.
The convention center is also home to the famous Route 66 Monument commissioned by artist Tom Coffin for the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department’s Cultural Corridors: Public Art on Scenic Byways Program, and the Quay Council for Arts & Humanities. The base of the sculpture is a tire, road and tread designed motif on a pyramid, topped off by a larger than life chrome tailfin, complete with tail lights lit at night. It’s design is meant to evoke the 50′s & 60′s, the golden age of American automobiles, cross all cultural boundaries and capture the spirit of the automobile.
Inside the convention center lobby there is a Route 66 Kiosk available for viewing by the public, with many black and white photos from Tucumcari's Route 66 heyday.
The New Mexico Route 66 Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.
