Revised 2024

If you’ve traveled Route 66 through Missouri, you’ve probably seen historic murals in Cuba.  Did you know there are subtle add-ons in the murals that lend personality to the project? Wait till you see the hidden gems in our Route 66 historic murals.

There are a total of 14 outdoor murals in Cuba, Missouri, which gives the town bragging rights as the “Route 66 Mural City.” But don’t stop at the outdoor murals, because there are at least that many indoors at shops and restaurants. Inside or out, the murals present untold stories too. 

Here are five hidden gems in Cuba’s historic murals:

 

The Civil War Murals– Buchanan StreetCivil war mural

At the corner of Main and Buchanan stands a multi-panel Civil War mural. The brainchild of local Boy Scout, Chip Lange, the fifteen-year-old, prepared a 60-page proposal as his Eagle Scout project. The process included research on the Battle of Pilot Knob, the available mural artists who could paint the murals, and other expenses necessary to complete the project. Mr. Lange raised over $21,000 with an additional $15,000 matched by Viva Cuba to make the murals a reality. As a gesture of appreciation for the project, Artist Don Gray included Mr. Lange in the mural. Look closely for the young man with a red band on his hat. Needless to say, Mr. Lange received his Eagle Scout designation for the project and left his legacy in Cuba. LEARN MORE

 

A day in the Cooperage MuralA Day in the Cooperage Mural – Washington Street

Barrels have been a long tradition in Cuba, Missouri.  The Cooperage Mural honors that conviction. But if you look closely, a few added touches, truly touched the heart of one resident. When the mural was in progress, additional scaffolding was needed. Bob Wilson, a local cartoonist, and lumberyard owner, was the first to respond. As a show of appreciation, artist Shelly Smith Steiger added Wilson’s dog Pilsbury to the mural. Mr. Wilson was more than pleased and touched by the gesture. The same mural features a cat too. As Steiger took pictures for the project, she noticed a Momma cat wandering about the cooperative like she owned the place. Steiger felt this feline deserved a place in the mural too. LEARN MORE

 

The River MuralRiver Mural – Spencer Street
(This mural is currently under repair)

A dog is a man’s best friend, and Robert “Bear” Bass had a constant companion in Milo. If you look closely at the mural, Milo is the canine in the canoe. This K-9 was no stranger to the Meramec River.  Milo never left Bass’s side, even on the river. Milo worked alongside everyone at the Ozark Outdoors Resort and was a welcomed staff member year after year. The mural, painted by Shelly Smith Steiger and Julie Balogh Brand, depicts a lazy day on the river. This mural is currently under repair and is part of the mural ‘face-lift’ project to preserve the integrity of the artwork.  LEARN MORE

 

Jazzy the dogTraffic Control Box – Main Street

Let’s not forget about the mini-murals in Cuba. Viva Cuba took every opportunity to add color and art to surfaces that needed some sprucing up. While plans were being made for the next mini-mural, Jane Reed, a Viva Cuba member, volunteered her dog Jazzy’s likeness for the next mural. Jokingly, she reminded the mural committee that her Welch Terrier Jazzy was ready for the position. Unbeknownst to Ms. Reed, artist Julie Wiegand added Jazzy to the mural. When Reed saw the mural for the first time, she was surprised and pleased to see her beloved Jazzy memorialized forever. LEARN MORE

 

 

 

 

A gate and greeneryThe Alleyway Mural: Washington Street

The Alleyway Mural can be overlooked as you buzz down Route 66. While it is not on the mural list, it certainly makes a huge difference on the street.  It doesn’t have any historical significance or specific story. However, this mural’s main function was to hide an ugly ally and create a beautiful space. The mural includes a playful kitten, a mouse, and a gate. But if you look closer, someone is looking back at you. If you didn’t notice it on your first look, return and look again.  LEARN MORE

 

 

 

We are true to our name, the Route 66 Mural City! We have 14 outside murals, and countless indoor murals too! There is so much to do and see –  it is easy to picture yourself in Cuba, Missouri. Be sure to look closely for the five hidden gems in Cuba’s historic murals along Route 66.  See you soon. Visit us online at cubamomurals.com or Facebook.