Route 66 has been a backdrop both as a cultural touchstone and a road that linked two parts of this country together. It traverses across 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica cutting through the beating heart of Oklahoma City along the way—and there are plenty of other highlights on its path. Route 66, or “The Mother Road,” is an American legend. From car culture, westward mobility and countless stories captured in songs and movies, it’s a living symbol of American culture and history.
In partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and 22 additional cultural organizations, Google Arts & Culture is celebrating Route 66’s upcoming Centennial in 2026 with a new hub dedicated to this historic highway. A Cultural Trip Down Route 66 is a rich digital archive that highlights iconic landmarks as well as the diverse communities and small businesses that have shaped Route 66. With more than 20 partners, 130 stories and 4000 images, you’ll discover the route in a new way.
