200+ rare automobiles tell the story of automotive history with particular focus on cars associated with Nevada's history, including the car that won the 1907 New York to Paris Race
The National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada, located at 10 South Lake Street along the Truckee River in downtown Reno, is regarded as one of the finest automotive collections in the United States. The museum grew from the personal collection of Nevada businessman and casino pioneer William F. Harrah, who assembled one of the largest and most historically significant collections of antique and classic automobiles in the world before his death in 1978. The Harrah collection, at its peak comprising approximately 1,500 vehicles, was acquired by Holiday Inns, Inc. following Harrah's death; the core of the collection was subsequently transferred to a nonprofit foundation and housed in the current museum building, which opened in 1989.
The museum's facility displays more than 200 vehicles arranged chronologically across four gallery streets that recreate the streetscapes of 1890s, 1910s, 1930s, and 1980s America. Each gallery era is dressed with period storefronts, advertising signage, and ambient sound design to situate the vehicles in their social and cultural moment. The 1890s gallery presents the transition from horseless carriage to recognizable automobile, with early gasoline- and steam-powered vehicles including one of the oldest surviving American automobiles. The 1930s gallery covers the golden age of streamlined automotive design with examples from Duesenberg, Cord, and Auburn—marques that defined automotive ambition during the Depression era and whose surviving examples are now among the most sought-after vehicles in collector markets worldwide.
Several vehicles in the collection carry exceptional historical significance. The 1938 Phantom Corsair, a custom aerodynamic coupe designed by Rust Heinz, is considered one of the most radical automotive designs of the 20th century and has been featured in major design retrospectives internationally. The 1949 Mercury owned and driven by actor James Dean is displayed with provenance documentation. A Thomas Flyer of the type that won the legendary 1908 New York to Paris Race—a 22,000-mile overland journey across North America and Eurasia—is accompanied by detailed race documentation. Audio guides available for rental provide substantial additional provenance information beyond the exhibit labels, making them worth acquiring for visitors with a serious interest in automotive or design history.
Highlights
- See the 1938 Phantom Corsair, one of the most radical custom automotive designs of the 20th century
- Walk four gallery streets recreating 1890s, 1910s, 1930s, and 1980s American streetscapes with period vehicles in context
- View the Thomas Flyer type that won the legendary 22,000-mile 1908 New York to Paris Race
- Examine James Dean's 1949 Mercury with original provenance documentation
- Explore the 1930s gallery's streamlined Duesenberg, Cord, and Auburn examples from automotive's golden design era
Tips for visiting
- The 1930s gallery is consistently the most admired section; allow extra time here for the streamlined design details
- Audio guides are available for rental and provide substantial additional provenance information beyond the exhibit labels—worth the extra cost
- The museum is within easy walking distance of downtown Reno restaurants; plan lunch before or after the visit
- Monday through Saturday hours begin at 9 AM; check the museum website for Sunday and holiday schedules before visiting
- Children who are not vehicle enthusiasts may find the museum slow-paced; allow 1 to 1.5 hours for family visits
Accessibility
The National Automobile Museum occupies a single level with wide gallery passages that accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices throughout the facility. Accessible parking is available directly adjacent to the South Lake Street entrance, and all restrooms are ADA-compliant.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the National Automobile Museum take?
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours. Automotive enthusiasts and design history devotees often stay 3 hours or more given the depth of documentation accompanying the collection's major vehicles and the audio guide content available for key pieces.
What is the museum's connection to William Harrah?
The collection grew directly from the personal holdings of Nevada casino pioneer William Harrah, who spent decades acquiring historically significant vehicles from across the United States and Europe. A permanent gallery section documents Harrah's collecting history and his role in establishing Reno as a center of automotive preservation.
Is the National Automobile Museum wheelchair accessible?
The museum is fully accessible on a single level, with wide gallery passages accommodating wheelchairs and other mobility devices throughout. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 10 South Lake Street entrance, and all restrooms are ADA-compliant.
Is the museum appropriate for children?
Yes, particularly for children with an interest in vehicles or history. The period streetscape settings give the displays strong contextual framing. Children under 6 are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.