new mexico route 66 museum

This museum is located behind the Convention Center on the western end of Tucumcari right on Route 66. In front of the Convention Center is the Route 66 Monument (see separate Tripadvisor Review) so it is easy to find-just watch for the Monument in front of the Convention Center on the south side of the Highway. To enter it is quickest if you go around to the back where there is lots of free parking and an entrance to the museum.This museum is run by volunteers so hours of operation are limited and vary. Currently the museum is open Monday through Wednesday from 9 AM to noon. I was there on a Friday and a gentleman who was setting up for an event at the Convention Center on Saturday had a key to the museum and let me in to look around at my leisure. I was glad he did as the museum is worth a stop if you enjoy learning about Route 66.There are a number of restored cars, a juke box in a diner setting, and other memorabilia from the era. The highlight of the museum for me was the collection of 166 color framed photographs 20 inches by 30 inches taken February 17 through February 28, 2002 by photographer Michael Campanelli who choose them from the over 1100 photos he had taken during the eight day trip from the start of a Route 66 in Illinois to the end in California. It is billed as "The World's Largest Route 66 Photo Exhibit". If you have traveled all or part of Route 66 you will recognize many of the shots. Campanella also has a 104 page book for sale with the photos and a poster.There is no charge, but donations are welcome. You can easily see the museum and the Route 66 Monument out front in an hour.

This museum is hidden behind the Route 66 convention center. It is relatively new. Beautiful collection of large color photographs of many famous landmarks on Route 66. Also, old cars and other memorabilia.

The museum is so retro Route 66! All kinds of memorabilia relating to what was once the road from the east to LA! Make sure your camera battery has plenty of juice! There are hundreds of preserved signs and retro buildings on the little stretch of Route 66 which runs through Tucumcari! If you're driving west, this is about where the landscape gets interesting! A nice little detour off the interstate and you don't hafta backtrack....just pick up I-40 on the other end of town! Really need to see!

Route 66, Cars, Signs, Gas Pumps, Artwork, even a Juke Box playing and all for free - what more could you want!