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Joplin is bringing Route 66 to life in bold, immersive color with the World Street Painting Festival – Route 66, the city’s signature celebration of the Route 66 Centennial.
Presented by Visit Joplin in partnership with the Netherlands-based World Street Painting Foundation (WSF), this one-of-a-kind festival transforms public spaces into large-scale 3D works of art inspired by the Mother Road.
The World Street Painting Foundation, which also hosts similar festivals in Germany and the Netherlands, chose Joplin as its only U.S. project—creating an international collaboration that blends Route 66 history with cutting-edge street art. The partnership aims to make public spaces more beautiful while bringing art directly to the community.
A Growing Centennial Collection
In addition to three existing installations, 10 new 3D street paintings were added in 2025, with 20 more planned for 2026. When complete, the project will feature 33 large-scale 3D pieces—forming the world’s most extensive collection of 3D street paintings in a single community.
The artwork will remain on display through 2027, extending the Route 66 Centennial celebration and giving visitors ongoing opportunities to experience the installations.
The 2026 artist lineup is expected to include participants from the Netherlands, Mexico, Italy, Japan, France, Poland, England, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and across the United States—making the festival a truly global tribute to America’s most famous highway.
What Is 3D Street Painting?
3D street painting is created live in front of an audience. The finished work appears three-dimensional when viewed through a camera lens. When someone steps into position for a photo, they become part of the scene—blending art, illusion, and interaction into a memorable Route 66 moment.
