Wilbur D. May Museum: Planning a Visit in Reno

The Wilbur D. May Museum follows the interests and travels of its namesake through the objects he collected around the world. Washoe County describes May as a rancher, pilot, philanthropist and adventurer, and says his collection reflects more than 40 trips.

The museum is at 1595 N. Sierra Street, inside Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno. The park setting also puts the May Arboretum and Botanical Garden next door; Washoe County describes the garden as free to visit and open year-round during regular park hours.

The Wilbur D. May Collection brings together objects from different regions and traditions, including antique firearms, European glasswork, African tribal masks, Polynesian carvings and Chinese pottery. Taxidermy, saddlery and Western ranching artifacts add further breadth.

The museum also hosts large traveling exhibitions, smaller art shows and sales, and special programs with community partners. Washoe County says a large rotating exhibition runs every year from January through April; past themes have included dinosaurs, dragons and the history of candy.

An indoor garden with a water feature and koi ponds, plus a gift shop, round out the museum’s offerings.

Collection admission rates posted for June through December are $7 for adults, $5 for youth ages 3–17 and seniors 62+, and free for children under 3.

Opening hours

• Wednesday to Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
• Sunday: 12 PM–4 PM
• Monday and Tuesday: closed

Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.

Special exhibition admission rates posted for January through May are $13 for adults and $11 for children and seniors. That admission includes the special exhibition and the May Collection and Gallery; children under 3 enter free.

For groups of 15 or more, posted collection rates are $6 per adult and $4 per youth ages 3–17 or senior ages 62+, while the posted special exhibition group rate is $7 per person.

You can arrange a one-hour tour of the Wilbur D. May Collection year-round, with appointments available during most normal business hours.

It starts with an introduction and film, then continues as a guided walk through the museum; a scavenger hunt is also offered. For tours, payment is due on arrival after the final headcount, and accepted methods are cash, check, Mastercard and Visa.

Hours, rates and tour arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.

The museum is about a nine-minute drive from Victorian Inn in Sparks. If you are driving from U.S. 395 northbound, take exit 68 to I-80 West, then exit 13 for Downtown Reno/Virginia Street. Continue two blocks to Sierra Street, turn right and enter the park on the left.

From I-80 eastbound, take exit 13 for Downtown Reno/Virginia Street, turn left on Sierra Street and enter the park on the left.

From I-80 westbound, take the same exit, turn right on Sierra Street and enter the park on the left. The entrance from Sierra Street is marked for the park, not with a museum sign, so follow the park entrance directions.

Free parking is available outside the building, though availability depends on special events. You may take photographs in all areas, but food and drink are not allowed in the exhibition halls.

The museum also fits into a broader day out planned around the one-day Sparks-to-Reno route for museum and arts stops.