By Fox23.com News Staff
SAPULPA, Okla. — The Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum has received a $1 million grant for its expansion project from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce designated $1,080,000 to the project as part of its Route 66 Revitalization Grant Program.
A groundbreaking ceremony will take place in January, with a fall 2026 opening date expected.
The 5,000-square-foot expansion of the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum and 2,000-square-foot plaza will allow the museum to showcase more of the historic legacy of Route 66, featuring vintage vehicles and Mother Road artifacts, as well as provide a new venue for hosting events.
“The experience will be so much better to have the ability to travel around the museum instead of back and forth in wings,” said Museum Founder Richard Holmes. “Also, a plaza around the gas pump and doors to allow visitors to interact with the giant sign will be game-changing.”
The museum opened in 2016 and is known for its photo-friendly 66-foot tall replica gas pump in front of the building. Visitors from every U.S. state and more than 100 countries have visited and enjoyed the museum.
In honor of the Mother Road’s Centennial in 2026, the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum will be open every day of the week. The museum will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
You can find more information on the Heart of Route 66 Auto Museum by clicking here.
