Celebrate Route 66 at the Museum of Transportation

Route 66 is more than just a highway; it is the artery of American adventure and a symbol of freedom. As the iconic “Mother Road” approaches its centennial anniversary, the National Museum of Transportation is preparing a spectacular celebration. We are proud to announce our upcoming exhibition, “Roads, River, Rooms, and Reels,” which opens to the public on March 14, 2026. This immersive experience explores the stories, memories, and distinct modes of travel that shaped the communities connected to this legendary highway.

![Image placeholder: A vintage view of Route 66 signage and classic cars outside the museum of transportation]
Alt text: A vintage view of Route 66 signage and classic cars outside the museum of transportation

A New Journey at the Museum of Transportation

“Roads, River, Rooms, and Reels” is designed to transport visitors back in time. The exhibit anchors itself around two massive features that defined entertainment and travel in the Midwest. Whether you grew up on the river or spent your Friday nights at the drive-in, this collection captures the spirit of a bygone era.

By visiting the museum of transportation, guests will see how the evolution of travel influenced culture in St. Louis and beyond. The exhibit weaves together the narratives of the road and the river, showing how they worked in tandem to move people and create lasting memories.

Restoring the Legend: The S.S. Admiral

One of the centerpieces of the new exhibit is a stunning 26-foot model of the S.S. Admiral. This legendary riverboat once defined entertainment on the Mississippi River. For decades, it was a floating palace of art deco design and leisure.

To bring this memory back to life, the museum of transportation partnered with the skilled craftsmen of Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 36. These dedicated workers have beautifully restored the replica, ensuring that the legacy of the Admiral shines for a new generation. It serves as a reminder of the craftsmanship and engineering that powered American leisure travel.

![Image placeholder: Close up of the restored 26-foot model of the SS Admiral at the museum of transportation]
Alt text: Close up of the restored 26-foot model of the SS Admiral at the museum of transportation

Showtime at the ‘66’ Park-In Theatre

The exhibit also shines a spotlight on the beloved ‘66’ Park-In Theatre on Watson Road. Owned by the Wehrenberg Family of St. Louis, Missouri, this theater was a treasured symbol of drive-in movie culture.

For many, the drive-in was the ultimate community gathering spot along Route 66. It was where families piled into station wagons and teenagers went on first dates. The exhibit recreates that nostalgia, honoring the shared community memories that happened under the stars and in the glow of the silver screen.

Share Your Memories with the Museum of Transportation

This exhibition is not just about observing history; it is about preserving your personal stories. As part of “Roads, River, Rooms, and Reels,” we are launching a special storytelling initiative titled “I Remember…”

We invite you to become a part of the museum of transportation archives. Do you have a fond memory of the S.S. Admiral? Did you spend your summers at the ‘66’ Park-In Theatre or any other drive-in theater “back in the day”? We want to hear from you.

How to Participate:

• Write an essay of 600 words or less sharing your personal story.
• Email your submission to museum@tnmot.org with the subject line “I Remember.”
• Deadline: Essays must be received by January 25, 2026.

Selected submissions may be featured as part of the exhibition, allowing your voice to help tell the story of American travel.

Supporting a Nonprofit Transportation Museum

Located at 2933 Barrett Station Road in Kirkwood, MO, the National Museum of Transportation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We receive no governmental funding and rely solely on the generosity of our community to keep history alive.

Your support helps us maintain what representatives from the Smithsonian Institution have called “one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the country.” Furthermore, we are honored to have been voted one of the top open-air museums in the nation for the past two years by a USA Today Readers’ Choice poll.

We look forward to welcoming you in March to celebrate 100 years of Route 66. Together, we can ensure these stories drive on for future generations.

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Plan Your Visit
Mark your calendars for March 14, 2026, and get your stories in by January 25. Stay tuned for more updates on tickets and special opening day events.

Check out other national and local events on The Narrative Matters.

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