The National Automobile Museum in downtown Reno presents automobile history through more than 240 cars, period street scenes, artifacts, and theatre presentations. Its self-guided galleries trace changing eras of motoring, making it easy to plan a visit around the collection and your available time.
- Location: 1 Museum Dr., on the corner of Lake and Mill Streets in downtown Reno.
- Collection: More than 240 cars, alongside street scenes and artifacts.
- Usual hours: Open daily
- General admission: $16; other rates vary by age and eligibility.
What does the National Automobile Museum cover?
The National Automobile Museum follows automobile history through cars, artifacts, period street scenes, and theatre presentations. The museum opened on November 5, 1989, with support from the City of Reno Redevelopment Agency, the State of Nevada, and individual and organizational donors.
The galleries are arranged around periods ranging from the 1890s–1910s through the 1950s and beyond. Period streets and service-shop settings add context to the vehicles, so the collection is presented as more than a sequence of cars.
For a broader comparison with other local collections, the museums in Reno include several different stops. The automobile museum’s focus is the history of cars and the settings around them.
How much time should you plan for the galleries?
The museum is self-guided, so you can set your own pace through its historic street scenes, automobile galleries, and artifacts. Its range of periods gives you a natural route through the collection: start with the earliest era, then follow the galleries forward in time.
The theatre presentations are also part of the museum experience.
If you are organizing a day around downtown stops, the one-day Reno itinerary gives the museum a wider city context.
What are the tickets and opening hours?
It closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Hours and admission details can change, so check the 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.
General admission is $16. Seniors age 65 and older pay $15; active military, veterans, and first responders with ID pay $14; youth ages 6–17 pay $13; children age 5 and younger pay $3; and members enter free.
Groups of 10 or more can receive discounted admission when the group pays in one transaction. You can pay an admission balance on arrival with cash, check, or credit card, or pay in advance by credit card.
How do you get from the hotel area to the museum?
The museum is about a 7-minute drive from a Reno airport-area hotel. Its address is 1 Museum Dr., at the corner of Lake and Mill Streets in downtown Reno.
What should you know about access, parking, and visitor rules?
Parking is free. Visit Reno Tahoe describes the museum as ADA compliant and accessible, including its restrooms, galleries, gift shop, and parking area; wheelchairs are available free of charge.
Pets are not allowed, and the museum accepts working service animals only. Personal photography is permitted with handheld cameras and available light or electronic flash attachments. Tripods, lights, and reproducing or selling photographs require museum permission.
FAQs
Where is the National Automobile Museum?
It is at 1 Museum Dr. in downtown Reno, on the corner of Lake and Mill Streets.
How many cars are in the museum?
The collection includes more than 240 cars, along with artifacts, period street scenes, and theatre presentations.
Is parking free at the museum?
Yes. The museum says parking is free.
Can you take photographs inside?
Personal photography is allowed with handheld cameras and available light or electronic flash attachments. Tripods, lights, and reproducing or selling photos require permission.