murals of tucumcari

Neon signs and murals depicting the rich history of Rt 66 make a drive through this town worth the detour off the HWY

Like 29 Palms, Tucumcari is loaded with murals throughout town, most just off Route 66. I have a couple of favorites but all are well-done. Make sure to photograph them as reminders of your trip.

hastily done and done by immature artists who seem to want to depict radical or unrealistic aims colors too harsh, themes not in keeping with history of area

The Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce publishes a brochure (available at many local businesses and at State Welcome Centers) Identifying 25 murals along with a map showing their locations. Most are outside, and many are visible if you just drive along old Route 66, but some are inside and a couple require an appointment so grab a brochure if you see one. Most of the murals are done by local artists Doug and Sharon Quarles and depict the history of Tucumcari and Route 66. Even if you don't plan to spend a lot of time in Tucumcari, get off the Interstate at Exit #335-Route 66-and you will see several just driving through town. Don't be surprised if a diner or souvenir shop from the heyday of Route 66 causes you to pull over and spend some time. Tucumcari is an interesting place to stop and take a break.

Great murals, a hisotry of Rte 66. Wonderful stop! Tucumcari has such wonderful history of rte. 66 -- I wish a few more motor court or motels would get preserved.

The painted murals are all over Tucumcari - from the restored gas stations, to sides of motels or inside the garages of the Blue Swallow or the booths of the Lizard Lounge to the extra long on the side of some buildings. All depict actual people from the town as well as its history. Definitely need to get out and observe close up. Murals by the Quarles are exceptional.

There are murals all through the town, depicting local history, the terrain and western themes. Not at all amateurish Very accomplished indeed and worth a cruise through the town.

I believe there are more than 20 murals in Tucumcari...most dealing with Route 66, but many others dealing with the history of the area.

Tucumcari has lots of great murals all over town, my favorite are inside the lizard Mexican restaurant, they painted people sitting in booths, and when actual people sit there, it looks like the booths are full!!!!

This town has an abundance of really awesome murals! It's really nice to just take a walk around. It really is a place of enchantment!

We were driving around town and saw the most beautiful murals on the buildings. Very real and detailed. We were told that a guy came into town and just started painting them and when he was done he left.

Murals were within walking distance of our motel. They lend a nostalgic touch to a town that has seen better days. The vintage cars were also fun to see,

Beautiful, interesting, and varied murals decorate the exterior walls of many old building in Tucumcari. Anyone with interest in Route 66 or southwestern art should absolutely deviate from the monotony of the interstate to check them out. Even more amazing is the fact that none of the murals were vandalized with graffiti.Unfortunately while in town I didn't see a map or checklist guide to the murals, making me wonder if I missed any.

I have no idea how the murals got started in Tucumcari, but I'm so glad they did. Without exception they are well executed and highly creative. They are totally worth a drive by.

Mostly Doug Quarles beautiful art work and there is a Mural Map available at the Chamber of Commerce, the NM Route 66 Museum, and more.