OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Google Arts & Culture has launched a new online hub celebrating the history and culture of Route 66, in partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The release comes ahead of the Mother Road’s centennial next year and includes a special spotlight on Oklahoma City as a crossroads of culture along the iconic highway.
State and city leaders joined Google representatives Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to mark the launch. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt emphasized the economic and cultural significance of Route 66 to both Oklahoma City and the state as a whole.
“The new Google Arts & Culture project featuring the legendary Route 66 helps memorialize the distinctly American story of the Mother Road and highlight both the historic landmarks and exciting destinations along the way,” Pinnell said. “As we approach the 100th anniversary, I am grateful for Google’s commitment to support Oklahoma’s centennial celebration next year.”
The new theme page offers users an AI-powered journey through the 2,400-mile route, using Google’s Veo technology to animate archival photos and generate immersive audio tours. Visitors can explore more than 30 key sites and relive decades of American travel culture through digital storytelling.
Several Oklahoma landmarks are featured prominently, including the historic Threatt Filling Station in Luther, the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park in Chelsea, and The Round Barn and POPS 66 Soda Ranch in Arcadia.
The digital exhibit also highlights Oklahoma’s deep artistic and cultural roots, featuring local partners such as the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and the Plaza Walls mural project, underscoring how the state continues to shape and celebrate the Route 66 story—from its Indigenous beginnings to its modern artistic revival.
More information about the project is available on the Google Keyword Blog.
