Rainbow over Painted Desert Inn

In the 1940s, renowned architect Mary Colter further enhanced the inn's design, incorporating vibrant colors and commissioning Hopi artist Fred Kabotie to create murals depicting Hopi culture. The inn served as a popular stop for travelers along Route 66, offering meals, souvenirs, and lodging. Although it closed in the early 1960s, a public campaign led to its preservation, and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Today, the Painted Desert Inn operates as a museum, allowing visitors to experience its unique architecture and cultural significance firsthand.