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
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!
225 Vehicles
Board of Trustees
Ranson Webster, Chairman
Paul Georgeson, Vice President
Bill Ramsey, Treasurer
Janet L. Chubb, Secretary
Ned Bacon, Board Member
Brian Colodny, Board Member
Porter Felton, Board Member
Katrina Loftin, Board Member
Jim Rogers, Board Member
Phil Satre, Board Member
B.J. Sullivan, Board Member
Adam Webster, Board Member
Phil MacDougall, Executive Director
Allen Wilt, Board Member
Our Amazing Staff
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
(775) 333-9306
Phil MacDougall
Executive Director
Kathy Powers
Curator
Noah Cole
Operations Manager
Tony Castellanos
Facility Technician
(775) 333-9303
vfox@automuseum.org
Vilija Fox
Controller
(775) 333-9300
colleen@automuseum.org
Colleen Lenox
Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
Ash Jeffers
Event Technician
Andre Urruty
Retail Manager
Emily Taft
Director of Sales & Events
Marcel Sarfati
Event Concierge
Blake Edwards
Event Assistant
Vivian Carrillo
Retail Specialist
Alex Zoellner
Museum Concierge
(775) 333-9307
Jada@automuseum.org
Jada Maglinao
Events Coordinator
Awards & Recognition
TripAdvisor – #1 in "Things to do" in Reno for 2022
TripAdvisor – #1 Museum in Reno for 2022
Trip Advisor – 10 Best Museums In Reno
LA Times
Galeriemagazine.Com – 10 Best Car Museum
Smithsonian.Com – 1934 Dymaxion
USA Today – 10 Great Auto Museums Worth A Pit Stop
BestLife – 10 Cool Car Museums For Cruising Down Memory Lane
RGJ.Com – 10 Ways To Get Your Science On This Summer
Highline Autos Magazine
Road & Track – 12 Of The Best Automotive Museums In The U.S.
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.