NM Route 66 Mural Project - New Mexico History Museum

The New Mexico History Museum 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 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. 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. The mural will be on view for one year from January 2026 to January 2027, with an opening reception in January 2026.

The mural will be installed on the east wall of the main lobby of the Pete Domenici Building. The wall dimensions are 26 feet wide by 11 feet high with some restricted areas due to electrical outlets or fire alarms. The wall is currently drywall with texture and painted teal. Artists will only be able to work on the mural during regular museum hours (Saturday-Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-7pm). The selection process occurs in two phases: Phase 1 selects up to five finalists who each receive $500 honorarium and submit mural proposals with up to three design options. Phase 2 selects one artist or team to create the final mural for $18,000, paid in two installments, covering all project costs including artist compensation, travel, labor, materials, insurance, taxes, site preparation, delivery, and installation. Finalists will be notified August 8, with mural proposals due September 8 and the selected artist notified September 15. The mural installation deadline is December 31, 2025. Applicants must submit a portfolio of 5-10 images of completed artwork (preference given to previous mural work), resume/CV with online presence links, and an artist statement or letter of intent (up to 5,000 characters). This opportunity is open to all artists working in the United States, with preference given to artists living or working in New Mexico. Artists must be able to complete the mural within the agreed timeframe and are strongly encouraged to attend the public reception in January 2026. The artist maintains copyright to their original design but must grant the museum non-commercial reproduction rights for promotional purposes and waive VARA rights, as the museum will paint over the mural following the one-year exhibition period.