Museum Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm

About the National Automobile Museum

The National Automobile Museum has been recognized as “One of America’s Top Ten Automobile Museums.”

Our Mission

Our Mission is to collect and preserve the automobile for future generations, with an emphasis on vehicles collected by William Fisk “Bill” Harrah, to tell the story of the impact of the automobile on American society, and to perpetuate the legacy of Mr. Harrah as a renowned collector.

Why We Do It

We are dedicated to offering entertaining and educational experiences through special programs, exhibits, events, and stories about our collections – and sharing history through the timeline of the automobile.

1989

photo of Mr Bill Harrah with his collection

How it All Began

Our history museum opened in 1989, it was reported to have set the standard for automobile museums around the world. Since then, it has received many accolades and today it is recognized as one of 10 Best Automobile Museums in the U.S.

The idea for this Museum developed following the death Bill Harrah and the museum still exists today thanks to a persuasive public and the generosity of many.

Bill Harrah was a prominent gaming pioneer who founded Harrah’s Hotels and Casinos and the former Harrah’s Automobile Collection. He assembled the largest and most historically significant collection in the world that reached approximately 1,400 vehicles. His legacy lives on at the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection).

After his death in 1978, Holiday Inns purchased Harrah’s Hotels and Casinos and Harrah’s Automobile Collection in 1980.

Following the announcement of plans to sell the collection, there was a tremendous public outcry across Nevada and the nation. Responding to this outcry, Holiday Inns donated 175 cars and the research library to the future nonprofit museum. At the time, it was the largest corporate philanthropic gift in our nation’s history.

Holidays Inns sold the balance of the Harrah collection, the majority at spectacular, record-setting auctions in 1984, 1985 and 1986, as well as through private sales.

With generous donations from the City of Reno Redevelopment Agency, the State of Nevada, and many individuals and organizations, this Museum opened on November 5, 1989, with much fanfare and national and international publicity.

We invite you to be part of our museum. Please join us in preserving a remarkable collection and sharing our passion for telling the story of one of the most significant inventions in our country’s history…the stories of invention and innovation, the people behind the wheel, fascinating adventures and the impact of the automobile on our lives. The fabric of our culture has changed and changed again, but nothing has affected our society as deeply as the automobile.

Whether you are a student aspiring towards a career in technology, a business person who loves history and cultural attractions, or a couple looking for an awesome wedding venue, we have something for each of you at our Reno history museum. Become a member today!

photo of bill harrah with his cars

225 Vehicles

Board of Trustees

ramson webster headshot

Ranson Webster, Chairman

paul georgeson headshot

Paul Georgeson, Vice President

bill ramsey headshot

Bill Ramsey, Treasurer

jann chubb headshot

Janet L. Chubb, Secretary

ned bacon headhsot

Ned Bacon, Board Member

brian colodny headshot

Brian Colodny, Board Member

Katrina Loftin Headshot

Katrina Loftin, Board Member

jim rogers headshot

Jim Rogers, Board Member

phil satre headshot

Phil Satre, Board Member

bj sullivan headshot

B.J. Sullivan, Board Member

adam webster headshot

Adam Webster, Board Member

allen wilt headshot

Allen Wilt, Board Member

phil macdougall headshot

Phil MacDougall, Executive Director

Our Amazing Staff

Phil MacDougall

Executive Director

Kathy Powers

Curator

Noah Cole

Operations Manager

Tony Castellanos

Facility Technician

Vilija Fox

Controller

Colleen Lenox

Administrative Assistant/Office Manager

Ash Jeffers

Event Technician

Andre Urruty

Retail Manager

Emily Taft

Director of Sales & Events

Rod Posner

Automotive Collections Manager

Marcel Sarfati

Event Concierge

Blake Edwards

Event Assistant

Vivian Carrillo

Event Coordinator

Alex Zoellner

Museum Concierge

Jada Maglinao

Events Coordinator

Visit our Store
The Museum Store has moved to a new location. It’s completely reorganized and packed with unique gifts and merchandise. There’s something for everyone! Stop in and visit the Museum Store today.
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