10 Must-See Secrets And Current Exhibits At Reno's National Automobile Museum (2025 Update)

Planning a visit to the National Automobile Museum (NAM) in Reno, Nevada, in 2025? You're in for a treat, as this world-renowned institution, built on the legendary collection of casino magnate William F. Harrah, continues to refresh its showcases with unique and historically significant vehicles.

The museum isn't just a static display of vintage cars; it's a dynamic journey through automotive history, featuring everything from the world's oldest functional automobiles to celebrity-owned classics and vibrant contemporary car culture. With new, limited-time exhibits and special events running throughout 2025, now is the perfect time to explore one of America's most prestigious automotive attractions.

The William F. Harrah Legacy and Museum Profile

The National Automobile Museum's entire existence is rooted in the passion of one man: William F. Harrah. Harrah, the founder of Harrah's Hotels and Casinos, amassed the world's largest and most significant collection of automobiles before his death in 1978.

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His collection, which once topped over 1,400 vehicles, was partially dispersed, but a significant portion was preserved to form the foundation of the current museum, which officially opened its doors in 1989.

Today, the museum maintains a rotating display of approximately 250 vehicles from this historic collection, spanning a timeline from the late 19th century to modern-day icons.

The layout is designed to immerse visitors in history, with four main galleries organized by decade, complete with authentic street scenes, period clothing, and artifacts that bring the automotive timeline to life.

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The museum's mission is to share the history of the automobile and its impact on American culture, making it a key destination for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Visitor Information and Current Admission (2025)

• Location: 1 Museum Drive, Reno, Nevada (Downtown Reno, on the corner of Lake and Mill Streets).
• General Admission: $16.00.
• Seniors (65+): $15.00.
• Youth (6-17): $13.00.
• Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Parking: Free parking is available in the museum's lot.

Unveiling the Must-See New Exhibits and Events of 2025

The National Automobile Museum is constantly updating its floor to provide a fresh experience. For 2025, two major exhibits highlight the diversity of American and global automotive culture, alongside a lineup of exciting annual events.

1. "Harley-Davidson V-Twins – Cornerstone of the American Dream"

Open through November 15, 2025, this highly anticipated exhibit is a deep dive into the history and heritage of the iconic American motorcycle manufacturer.

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The showcase features approximately 30 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, tracing the brand's evolution over more than a century.

Visitors can explore the V-Twin engine's development, which became the signature heartbeat of the Harley-Davidson machine, and see how the bikes influenced American road culture and design.

2. The Vibrant "Boulevard Lowrider Exhibit"

Celebrating automotive artistry and community, the "Boulevard Lowrider Exhibit" showcases the vibrant, highly customized world of lowriders.

This exhibit highlights vehicles that are meticulously modified with hydraulic suspensions, elaborate paint jobs, and custom interiors, reflecting a unique form of cultural expression.

The museum partnered with local groups, such as the Revelations Christian Car Club, to display a selection of local lowrider vehicles, emphasizing the community aspect of this distinctive car culture.

3. The 2025 Museum Cup Series and Casting Call Event

For those interested in competitive and custom car culture, the museum launched the 2025 Museum Cup Series, a new program designed to spotlight distinguished vehicles and their owners.

Additionally, the annual Casting Call Event, scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025, invites local car owners to showcase their vehicles for a chance to be featured in future museum exhibits.

These events ensure the museum's collection remains fresh and connected to the current automotive scene in Reno and beyond.

The 7 Most Iconic and Famous Cars in the Permanent Collection

Beyond the rotating exhibits, the permanent collection is a treasure trove of automotive history, featuring vehicles that are famous for their rarity, historical significance, or celebrity ownership. These are the core entities that define the museum’s topical authority.

4. The 1892 Philion Steam Road Carriage

This is arguably the most historically significant piece in the entire collection. The 1892 Philion Steam Road Carriage is one of the oldest self-propelled vehicles in the world and represents the very beginning of the automotive era.

Its presence anchors the museum's timeline, showing the primitive, experimental nature of early motoring before the gasoline engine dominated.

5. The Famous "Cars of the Stars" Exhibit

A perennial favorite, this exhibit features automobiles with direct ties to Hollywood and celebrity culture.

The collection includes vehicles owned by famous personalities or those that achieved stardom through their appearance in feature films. For example, the collection has previously featured a car owned by Frank Sinatra and vehicles used in classic movies.

The star power of these vehicles adds a layer of pop culture intrigue to the historical tour.

6. Prestigious Pre-War Marques (Duesenberg, Packard, Rolls-Royce)

The Harrah Collection is renowned for its selection of "Brass Era" and pre-war luxury automobiles, representing the pinnacle of engineering and design from the 1920s and 1930s.

Visitors can marvel at vehicles from prestigious American and European marques like Duesenberg, Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Cadillac, Lincoln, and Rolls-Royce.

These cars showcase extravagant craftsmanship, powerful engines, and the opulence of the Roaring Twenties and the Depression-era elite.

7. The One-of-a-Kind 1939 Ford Custom "Westergard"

Among the custom and concept cars, the 1939 Ford Custom, often referred to as the "Westergard," stands out.

It is a stunning example of early custom coachwork, a sleek, modified convertible coupe that embodies the unique styling trends of the pre-WWII era.

8. Post-War American Icons (Ford Thunderbird, Fairlane)

The museum’s collection seamlessly transitions into the post-war era, showcasing iconic American muscle and style.

Key entities from this period include the 1955 Ford Thunderbird, a symbol of personal luxury and the rise of the two-seater sports car in America, and the 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner, famous for its retractable hardtop roof.

9. Race Cars and Automotive Sporting History

The NAM also dedicates space to the history of automotive racing, featuring vintage race cars that highlight the speed, danger, and engineering challenges of early motorsports.

These displays provide a thrilling contrast to the luxury and historical vehicles, emphasizing the role of competition in driving automotive innovation.

10. The 1911 Dodge Brothers Model 30-A

While often associated with later mass-produced vehicles, the collection includes a 1911 Dodge Brothers vehicle, showcasing the early history of the company before it became the automotive powerhouse we know today.

This car, along with early models from Ford and Franklin, helps illustrate the rapid industrialization of the American auto industry in the early 20th century.

The National Automobile Museum in Reno is a foundational entity in the world of classic automobiles, offering a comprehensive and continually evolving look at the history of transportation. Whether you are a dedicated gearhead, a history buff, or just looking for a unique family outing, the 2025 lineup of special exhibits and the sheer depth of the Harrah Collection ensure a memorable visit.