Spanish artist to install sculpture honoring Springfield’s Colonial Hotel on Route 66

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A new sculpture will be installed in downtown Springfield in time for Route 66’s 100th anniversary in 2026.

Spanish artist Juan Garaizabal visited Springfield to examine the downtown site for his sculpture. The piece, called “Ghost of the Colonial Hotel,” will be installed at St. Louis Street and Jefferson Avenue, where the historic Colonial Hotel stood until its demolition almost 30 years ago.

“I love establishing bridges between the past, the present, and the future,” Garaizabal said. “And I like to capture those places where the energy is extraordinary, like here, and materialize it in a form of contemporary art sculpture.”

Artist presentation scheduled

Garaizabal will discuss his vision for the project, his philosophy, and his other global works on Wednesday evening. A question-and-answer session will be held inside the Fox Theater from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.

The sculpture installation represents part of Springfield’s preparation for the centennial celebration of the historic highway that helped establish the city as a major stop for travelers.

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