Illinois State Museum

ROUTE 66 100 Year Road Trip

Illinois State Museum

Illinois State Museum
Illinois State Museum
ABOUT THE HOST BUSINESS

Illinois History on Display
in the Heart of Lockport

Located in the historic Norton Building.
The Lockport Gallery is one of only four State Museums in Illinois
Visit at night and watch “Illuminate” projections on the outside of the building.
Get your special offer… click here

The Illinois State Museum Lockport Gallery is a cultural destination showcasing Illinois history, art, and heritage in the heart of historic downtown Lockport along Route 66.

201 West 10th Street / (815) 838-7400

Diya & Raishaan Holdings
Route 66 Sponsor

Thank you Diya & Raishaan for sponsoring
the ISM’s Route 66 bench!

Diya & Raishaan Holdings (a single-family office) is a Chicago-based investment and operational firm led by principal Sanjeev Khatau. The company primarily focuses on multi-brand restaurant franchise operations, direct investments, and real estate, managing dozens of quick-service locations across the Greater Chicago, Michigan, Indiana, and Texas areas.

THE 100 YEAR ROAD TRIP BENCH

“Sir E. L Joiryd”

Paul E. Niemeyer
Paul E. Niemeyer
MEET THE ARTIST

Paul E. Niemeyer

Painter • Sculpture • Game Designer

Paul E. Niemeyer is a lifelong artist, sculptor, muralist, and designer whose career spans decades of creative innovation across multiple industries. Early in his career, Paul gained recognition for his artwork on the original Mortal Kombat game, TRON, three Pac-Man titles, and dozens of other iconic traditional and electronic games.

Throughout the mid-1980s, Paul freelanced with major advertising agencies, working on licensed properties including Jurassic Park 2, Men in Black, Star Trek VI, The Little Mermaid, Hercules, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more. During this time, he also worked as a nature artist for the Department of Natural Resources and the Morton Arboretum, while continuing to create murals.

From 2000 to 2005, Paul was part owner and creative director of Eagle Games Board Game Company, now known as Eagle-Gryphon Games. He designed and illustrated dozens of board games and their components, overseeing the overall creative vision. After selling Eagle Games, he continued designing and illustrating games in both Europe and the United States, including the popular Through the Ages and the highly successful PopCap titles Peggle and Bejeweled 2.

Beyond gaming, Paul owned and operated ABYSS Haunted House, recognized as a top 10 haunted attraction in the Chicagoland area from 2006 to 2014. His murals and sculptures can be found in restaurants and venues across the United States and around the world.

Today, Paul designs and builds immersive props and dark rides for theme parks, escape rooms, seasonal festivals, and haunted attractions globally. He also continues to make personal appearances at game and comic conventions, connecting with fans and fellow creators.