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Museum History
   
   
 

When the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) opened in 1989, it was reported to have set the standard for the world of automobile museums with its dramatic displays, in-depth interpretation, extensive collection and exciting opportunities for visitor participation.

The Museum displays more than 200 cars from 1892 to present, the majority of which are from the world famous collection of the late gaming pioneer and avid collector, Bill Harrah.

The idea for the Museum developed after Mr. Harrah’s death in 1978. Holiday Corporation purchased Harrah’s Hotels/Casinos and the world-renowned Harrah’s Automobile Collection in 1980. Following an announcement by Holiday Corporation of its intent to sell Harrah’s Automobile Collection, there was a tremendous public outcry from the citizens of Nevada to save the collection.

In 1981, in response to this outcry, Nevada Governor Robert List helped form a private nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation. Holiday Corporation donated 175 cars and the research library, among other artifacts. At the time, this was the largest corporate philanthropic gift in our nation’s history.

Thanks to the generosity of many, the land and construction of the Museum were funded by public and private contributions, most notably from the City of Reno Redevelopment Agency, a State of Nevada legislative appropriation and philanthropic individuals.

 
 
 
 

Located along the banks of the Truckee River in downtown Reno, the 105,000 square foot building incorporates smooth, rounded, exterior walls and chrome trim reminiscent of automotive styling. The popular 1950s car paint color, Heather Fire Mist, was chosen for the exterior walls.

 
 

Inside the Museum, it’s like driving a century in just two hours, letting visitors travel through time like few other places. Four period street scenes represent each quarter of the 20th century, with facades, autos and artifacts reflecting each era’s styles and moods. A timeline of events and achievements on each street chronicles the history and progress of the automobile.

Beyond the streets, visitors discover a century of automobiles--more than 200 antique, vintage, classic and special interest vehicles ranging from 1892 to present. The Museum, considered to have one of the finest horseless carriage collections in the world, is also known for its many rare, experimental and one-of-a-kind automobiles.

 
 

 

However, the road doesn’t end there. Each year the Museum offers a series of new exhibits. Masterpiece Exhibits feature themed-car displays and the Changing Exhibits Gallery covers a variety of topics from art to historical features. The annual calendar also includes a variety of fun family events, and informative and entertaining educational programs.

The Museum Store is filled with an array of automotive-related gifts and merchandise, and offers a large selection of books, with more than 480 titles ranging from restoration resources to cookbooks and children’s selections.

The extensive Automotive Research Library is world-renowned and the Museum actively conducts research for scholars, journalists, restorers, enthusiasts and the interested public. Spanning more than one hundred years of automotive history from an 1895 Horseless Age to the latest Autoweek, the library holdings include technical books, sales literature, restoration manuals, shop and owner’s manuals, wiring diagrams, upholstery samples, paint color chips and formulas, photographs, and much more.

The Museum has several annual membership programs, for those wishing to become involved and informed about new exhibits, events and activities. All categories offer generous and valuable benefits. Membership fees are an important source of revenue for the Museum and a portion of the annual membership fee is tax-deductible.

The Museum has become a favorite of both residents and visitors to northern Nevada. It was named among the “Top Ten Museums” by Car Collector magazine and selected the “Best Museum in Northern Nevada,” year-after-year, in Nevada Magazine’s annual reader’s poll

The National Automobile (The Harrah Collection) is an internationally recognized museum and a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization formed solely for educational purposes. The Museum’s mission is to collect and preserve the automobile for future generations, and to tell the story of the impact of the automobile on American society.

For additional information, please contact:
National Automobile Museum
The Harrah Collection
10 South Lake Street
Reno, Nevada 89501-1558
(775) 333-9300
(775) 333-9309, fax
e-mail: info@automuseum.org
 
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