Oklahoma City is known for many things, including its vibrant art scene and its long stretch of the historic Route 66 Highway. Combine those two things and you get some of OKC’s coolest art and murals along Route 66.
Britton District Route 66 Shield Mural
If you find yourself in Oklahoma City’s up-and-coming Britton District, be sure to stop by the iconic Route 66 mural – the only one of its kind in the city. This mural offers the perfect photo op of the classic Route 66 shield as you travel along Route 66 in OKC. Britton Road conveniently connects Highway 235 to Lake Hefner Parkway, making it easy to visit.
Route 66 Robot on 23rd Street
Across from the historic Tower Theatre – another iconic stop along Route 66 – you'll encounter a charming 8-foot robot, the quirkiest little welcome to the Uptown 23rd District. And if you look closely, you'll spot a Route 66 symbol on the robot's control board.
Route 66 Centennial Sign
With the Route 66 Centennial just around the corner, Oklahoma City has unveiled a new sign to honor the milestone. Designed by VOX Audio Visual and renowned Oklahoma sculptor Stan Carroll, the sign marks the state with the longest drivable stretch of Route 66 in the nation. The new addition is located in OKC’s Uptown District at Hudson Avenue and NW 23rd Street.
Art at the State Capitol
The State Capitol is a must-see for art (or architecture) lovers. After completing a full restoration in 2022, the state Capitol now houses hundreds of pieces of artwork across six floors, including rotundas, corridors and galleries. If you have 45 minutes to spare, you can join a guided tour on weekdays, available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for groups of 10 or fewer (no reservation needed) and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for groups of 11 or more (reservations required at least 30 days in advance), all at no cost. This tour is not only informative but also one of the most beautiful art experiences in the city.
The Milk Bottle Grocery Building
The little brick building with an oversized milk bottle on N. Classen and 23rd Street is easy to miss, but it has an interesting history. Once a stop on the streetcar line that operated along Classen Blvd., it was replaced by the current building after the station closed. Over the years, it’s housed several businesses, from a BBQ restaurant to a dry cleaner, and today it’s a nail salon. The building also features the striking "Buffalo Goddess 2" mural by Chris Presley, which depicts a Native American woman riding a buffalo, with the words “Oklahoma City Where the Thunder Rolls.”
Cafe Kacao
Cafe Kacao is a beloved Oklahoma City breakfast and lunch spot, specializing in authentic Guatemalan cuisine and offering a taste of Guatemala right in the heart of OKC. After enjoying a delicious meal, take in the stunning mural that celebrates Latin American heritage. The mural features vibrant depictions of national flowers and birds from across Central and South America.
39th Street Summer of 66 Mural
Oklahoma City's 39th Street District, conveniently located along Route 66, is known as the city's vibrant "gayborhood" – a lively center of LGBTQIA+ culture and entertainment. The stunning Summer of 66 mural, created by multimedia artist Nick Bayer, features iconic Route 66 symbols, including the Route 66 Robot and the Milk Bottle Grocery Building. If you're planning to snap a photo in front of the mural, be prepared to take a few shots to capture its full, intricate design.
Find more information on where to find public art and murals across OKC.
