Pontiac Centennial Plaza Grand Opening

Please join us at the grand opening of Centennial Plaza on Friday, September 18! Located behind the Historic Museum Complex, Centennial Plaza is a beautiful new community gathering space, and we can’t wait to celebrate its official opening with you. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate this exciting milestone, followed by refreshments, food, live music, and more.

Centennial Plaza is a one-of-a-kind space celebrating the 100th anniversary of the historic Mother Road, Route 66. Anticipated to open this summer, the new plaza will be located behind the historic Museum Complex—right where the iconic Route 66 Shield Mural and Bob Waldmire’s Road Yacht is housed.

While construction is underway, both the Route 66 Shield Mural and Bob Waldmire’s Bus will be temporarily inaccessible. They will reopen to the public when the project is completed in the summer of 2026.

Here’s what you can expect to see once the plaza is completed…

• A custom-designed neon sign made by Springfield IL’s, Ace Sign Company
• A mid-century modern inspired awning to shelter Bob Waldmire’s Road Yacht
• A drive-up area for unforgettable photo ops in front of the Route 66 Shield Mural

…and plenty more surprises to come!