About Movies at the Mural

Five Rotary Clubs in Bloomington-Normal (Bloomington Club, Bloomington-Normal Sunrise Club, Daybreak Club, Normal Club and Sunset Club) collaborated to bring a Route 66-themed mural, complete with a nostalgic drive-in movie scene, to downtown Bloomington, Illinois.

All movies will start at dusk, but viewers are welcome to come downtown and find their space a bit earlier as the street will be closed off to traffic. Attendees will need to bring their own seating. Snacks will be available for a nominal fee.

Scheduled to commemorate the upcoming Route 66 centennial in 2026, the mural promises to be a captivating homage to yesteryear, celebrating the rich history and cultural significance of this iconic American highway. The highlight of the mural will be a functional drive-in movie screen, serving as a focal point for community gatherings and cultural events.

The Bloomington-Normal Convention & Visitors Bureau has been a crucial partner in this endeavor, working hand in hand with the Rotary clubs to secure an Illinois State Grant. Generously provided by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, this grant, totaling $25,000, will support the mural project and enhance the cultural landscape of our community.

In addition to the grant, the five Rotary clubs have pooled their resources, leveraging district grants and fundraising initiatives to acquire the necessary equipment for the drive-in movie screen. This equipment will not only facilitate movie screenings but also enable the Rotary clubs to host free movie nights, fostering a sense of community and togetherness in the heart of downtown Bloomington.