Cars sure do look a lot different than they did half a century ago—heck, even a decade ago! It’s crazy to think about just how far technology has come in regards to automobiles, but you can see with your own eyes just how much the industry has transformed when you visit the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada. Home to a world-famous collection of vintage automobiles, perusing this museum is truly a blast from the past! For a fun (and informative) family outing, be sure to check this place out.
Located on the banks of the Truckee River in downtown Reno, the National Automobile Museum is a unique attraction unlike any other in the state—maybe even the world.
Whether you're an automobile enthusiast or just somebody with a casual interest in history, the museum's massive collection is bound to blow you away. Visitors will find over 200 automobiles on display, and each and every one is unique in its own a way.
The museum primarily displays historic vehicles from the late 19th century to the 10th century. Most of the cars you'll see displayed are actually from the private collection of famous casino owner William F. Harrah. The museum is often referred to as The Harrah Collection for this reason.
Originally opened in 1989, there's truly something around every corner of this spectacular museum. The museum's collection is divided into four galleries, each off which focuses on cars built during a specific era. Gallery 1 showcases vehicles from the 1890s and 1900s, Gallery 2 focuses on the 1910s to the 1930s, Gallery 3 on the 1930s through 1950s, and Gallery 5 displays everything from the 1960s and onwards.
They even designed the galleries to resembles actual streets, complete with shop fronts and everything! However, it's the cars that really steal the show, especially the collection of celebrity-owned vehicles. Be sure to check out Elvis Presley's 1973 Cadillac Eldorado or John Wayne's 1953 Chevrolet Corvette.
You may also recognize a few of the museum's vehicles from movies they've been featured in. The 1949 Mercury Eight driven by James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause and the 1912 Rambler from Titanic are both worth seeing firsthand.
With so many one-of-a-kind vehicles in its collection, it's no wonder the National Automobile Museum is often cited as one of the best car museums in the world. Spend a few hours perusing the ingenuity of these classic cars and scratch this museum off your bucket list soon.
Learn more about the National Automobile Museum and snag your tickets on the official website here.
Have you visited the National Automobile Museum in Reno? This is definitely an impressive collection of historic vehicles! Tell us about your favorite museum in Nevada in the comments below.
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