Fasten your seatbelts and take a ride in a DeLorean time machine back to the past at the National Automobile Museum.
At this cleverly designed museum, walk down the "streets" and hop from gallery to gallery laid out in chronological order and marvel at a collection of cars dating to the 1800s and onward to present day, watching the most impactful human creation evolve, with each collection advancing and transforming.
The National Automobile Museum all started when Bill Harrah, a pioneer in the gaming industry known for his casinos and hotels, passed away, leaving a collection of some 1,400 vehicles behind.
Holiday Inns jumped at the opportunity to take over Harrah's collection, and before having the chance to auction the cars off, were intercepted with a proposition from the City of Reno to use some of the cars to start a museum, preserving the history and beauty of Bill's legacy. That vision came to life and today is known as the National Automobile Museum.
The museum's well-designed layout, educational plaques, themed displays, flawless vehicles, and the attention to detail (complimenting music and art), make for the ideal environment for wonder, nostalgia, and appreciation to live and thrive.
16 Reasons to Visit the National Automobile Museum
1. Immersive Displays - Thoughtfully designed exhibits bring history to life.2. Experience Automotive History - Learn in the perfect setting while having fun.
3. See iconic cars from Back to the Future, Titanic, Rebel Without a Cause, and more.
4. Daily Bill Harrah Presentation - Discover the museum’s origins in a 25-minute film.
5. Gift Shop - Find rare, out-of-print car books, antique toy cars, unique souvenirs, T-shirts, a penny press, and more.
6. Sit Inside a Model T - Costumes provided for fun photoshoots.7. Spot a well-crafted figurine of Yoda.
8. Amazing Volunteers & Staff - Passionate, knowledgeable, and always kind.9. Visitor Resources - Tourists can find helpful pamphlets near the restrooms.
10. Year-Round Special Events
11. Traveling Exhibits - Past displays include the history of motorcycles and Cars featuring Lightning McQueen and Mater.
12. Free Photo Booth - Snap a picture and send it to your phone or email.13. Halloween Fun Every Year - A safe and exciting trick-or-treat experience with carnival games, entertainment, and treats for a small fee.
14. Networking Events - Connect with like-minded people in a unique setting.
*Visit and explore the exhibits
*Attend special events throughout the year
*Shop at the gift store to support the museum
*Follow on Instagram &Facebook
*Host your special events here - weddings, banquets, seminars, and more (accommodates 60 to 1,200 guests, with catering available)
*Make a donation to help preserve history
*Free Parking
*Website - Packed with useful info.
*Docent Tours Available - Enhance your visit with guided insights.
*Tourist Pamphlets - Find info on Reno & nearby attractions near the restroom.
