National Automobile Museum

The National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) in downtown Reno showcases more than 225 historic and celebrity vehicles across era-themed street scenes and special exhibits. The permanent collection traces the history of the automobile and includes notable cars tied to film, racing, and American motoring culture.

The museum is primarily a self-guided experience with daily guided tours offered (typically at 1:30 p.m.) when volunteer docents are available. It offers free parking, group discounts, and a research library tied to William F. “Bill” Harrah’s original collection.

Start with a short self-guided walk through immersive galleries that recreate period streetscapes and highlight technical and cultural changes in automobiles.

Look out for:

• Celebrity and historic cars, including exhibition highlights like the Thomas Flyer and rotating “Cars of the Stars” displays.

• Themed galleries arranged by era with interpretive labels and photographs.

• Special exhibits (rotating) that focus on speed, film, or notable collectors.

• A research library and museum shop near the entrance.

Best way to experience it:

Allow 1–2 hours for a self-guided visit and plan to join the daily docent tour (often at 1:30 p.m.) if available for deeper context on key vehicles and the Harrah collection.

• Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm; Sat–Sun 10am–4pm (confirm before visiting).

• Admission and discounts published on the museum website; members enter free.

• Free on-site parking at 1 Museum Dr., downtown Reno.

• Guided tours run daily when volunteer docents are available (confirm schedule).