Overview of the National Automobile Museum
The National Automobile Museum in Reno is among the best of its kind in the world, featuring an impressive collection of vehicles from the dawn of the automobile age through the present day. This museum, often referred to as The Harrah Collection, mainly displays cars owned by the late casino mogul William F. Harrah.
About the National Automobile Museum
The National Automobile Museum originated from the extensive collection amassed by William F. “Bill” Harrah, a notable figure in Nevada’s casino history. Following his death in 1978, his properties, including this remarkable automobile collection, were purchased by Holiday Corporation. When Holiday Corporation announced its plan to sell the collection, a private non-profit organization was established to preserve the vehicles and keep them in Nevada. Consequently, the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) opened its doors in Reno in 1989, supported by numerous donations and the City of Reno Redevelopment Agency.
Reputed as one of the top 16 automobile museums globally by AutoWeek, the National Automobile Museum has received the title of “Best Museum in Northern Nevada” from Nevada Magazine’s readers for several years.
What You Will See at the National Automobile Museum
The museum is divided into four main galleries, each thematically decorated to represent different eras of automotive history, complemented by collections of vintage clothing and auto-related artifacts.
Gallery 1: Showcases vehicles from the 1890s to the 1910s, featuring the early horseless carriages that paved the way for modern automobiles.
Gallery 2: Takes visitors through the early 20th century, displaying cars from the teens to the early 30s.
Gallery 3: Highlights cars from the 1930s to the 1950s, including a Union 76 Minute Man gas station and automobiles often seen on the roads during events like Hot August Nights.
Gallery 4: Dedicated to motorsports, featuring high-speed vehicles and changing Masterpiece Exhibits. Notable displays include Movie Cars, showcasing vehicles prominently featured in films, and Quirky Rides with unique automobile designs.
In the Changing Exhibits Gallery, visitors can discover new and exciting displays on a regular basis. Previous exhibits have featured the Thomas Flyer, which won the 1908 New York to Paris race, and a tribute to Alice Ramsey, the first woman to drive across the United States in 1909.
The collection boasts rare and one-of-a-kind cars, including those once owned by Al Jolson, Elvis Presley, and James Dean, making it a treasure trove for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Collector Car Corner
Introduced in 2011, Collector Car Corner offers car enthusiasts a chance to showcase their special vehicles within the National Automobile Museum. Each selected vehicle is displayed for two months, allowing the owner to share their passion for automobiles. To apply for this unique opportunity, car owners can submit the following information via email:
- Photos of the car (front, back, sides, interior, and engine).
- A description (150 words or less), including year, make, model, body style, and significance of the vehicle.
- Contact information, including name, address, phone number, and email address.
Collector Car Corner is located in Gallery 4, adjacent to an area for parties and events. If selected, vehicle owners can host a gathering with family and friends, benefiting from a special Cocktail Party Package that includes free entry for the first 25 guests. For more details, contact (775) 333-9300. (Note: Owners are responsible for their own insurance as the museum is not liable for any damage or loss of the vehicle.)
Visiting the National Automobile Museum
The National Automobile Museum welcomes visitors every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Operating hours are Monday – Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission pricing is as follows: free for members, $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (62+), and $4 for ages 6-18, with children under 5 admitted free. Complimentary audio tours in both English and Spanish are included with admission.
Conveniently located at 10 S. Lake Street (at the intersection of Mill and Lake Streets), next to the Truckee River, the museum is easily recognizable by the original Reno Arch spanning Lake Street. Free parking is available on-site. Additionally, the museum hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including exhibitions and movie nights. For further inquiries, call (775) 333-9300.
