The National Automobile Museum in downtown Reno displays more than 240 cars alongside historic street scenes, artifacts and theatre presentations.
- Location: 1 Museum Dr., Reno, NV 89501, at the corner of Lake and Mill Streets.
- Collection: More than 240 cars, shown in galleries with period street scenes and other displays.
- Hours: Open daily
- Admission: General admission is $16; reduced rates are available for some visitors.
What is the National Automobile Museum known for?
The National Automobile Museum is known for a collection of more than 240 cars and galleries that pair vehicles with historic street scenes, artifacts and theatre presentations. Also known as The Harrah Collection, the museum opened in 1989.
Among its featured cars is the original 1907 Thomas Flyer, identified by a Nevada State Library publication as the winner of the 1908 New York-to-Paris race. The museum is in downtown Reno, rather than Sparks.
What exhibits and collections can you look for?
The collection includes a Masterpiece Exhibit, and the museum presents exhibits on varied subjects, including theme-car displays, art and historical topics. Its galleries offer more than a row of cars: historic street scenes and artifacts help set the vehicles in context.
The museum also offers new exhibits, but displays can change. If you’re planning around a particular subject, check the museum’s official site before you go. For another downtown art stop, the Nevada Museum of Art visitor guide covers a separate Reno museum.
What are the National Automobile Museum tickets and hours?
General admission is $16. Admission is $15 for seniors aged 65 and older, $14 for active military, veterans and first responders with ID, and $13 for youth aged 6–17. Children aged 5 and younger pay $3, while members enter free.
The museum closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours and prices can change, so check the National Automobile Museum’s official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Daily guided tours are offered at 1:30 p.m. when a volunteer guide is available. They last approximately 90 minutes, and the museum recommends contacting it to confirm a docent is available. The museum is designed for self-guided visits, so you can also view the collection without joining a tour.
How do you get from Sparks to the museum?
The museum is at 1 Museum Dr. in downtown Reno, at the corner of Lake and Mill Streets. From Sparks, you can drive there; the museum has a free parking lot. From Victorian Inn, it’s about 55 minutes on foot or about eight minutes by car.
The museum permits personal photography with handheld cameras, available light or electronic flash; tripods, lights, and reproduction or sale of photographs require permission. Pets are not allowed, except working service animals.
How much time should you allow?
A guided tour takes approximately 90 minutes. If you’re visiting independently, the museum’s self-guided format lets you set your own pace through the galleries, including the Masterpiece Exhibit and displays on cars, art and history. The one-day Sparks-to-Reno route includes museum and arts stops, which can help if you’re deciding whether to add another Reno stop.
FAQs
Where is the National Automobile Museum?
It is at 1 Museum Dr., Reno, NV 89501, in downtown Reno at the corner of Lake and Mill Streets.
Does the museum have free parking?
Yes. The museum identifies a free parking lot on its floor plan.
Are guided tours available?
Daily tours are offered at 1:30 p.m. when a volunteer guide is available. The museum recommends contacting it to confirm a docent before your visit.
Can you take photos inside?
Personal photography is allowed with handheld cameras and available light or electronic flash. Tripods, lights, and reproduction or sale of photographs require permission.