Reno Museums
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
Reno, Nevada may be known for her gaming and shows, but locals know there is plenty of culture and history waiting for the discerning tourist. Some of the best museums in the state are located in Reno, and here are just a few.
The Nevada Historical Society
The Nevada Historical Society museum and archives sits contentedly at the crest of Virginia Street, gazing out over Reno from its perch on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. The museum was completely renovated in 1999, and reopened in 2000 with an entirely remodeled museum and display area, along with a new library and research facility. The museum itself is compact - but bulges with tidbits from Nevada's past, like the aged flour sack from Austin, Nevada that was sold repeatedly until the total reached $175,000, and marked the beginning of the Sanitary Fund, (now the Red Cross) in Nevada.
There is also a changing display emphasizing varied features of Nevada's colorful history. Recently, they highlighted the past, present, and future of Nevada quilt making, with beautiful displays of historical and contemporary quilt makers' art from all over Nevada. The Nevada Historical Society is located at 1650 North Virginia Street, right across the parking lot from Fleischmann Planetarium. You can call them at 775-688-1190.
Nevada Museum of Art
Located in a beautiful new building on Liberty Street, the Nevada Museum of Art focuses on local artisans, collectors, and traveling exhibits. Past exhibits have included the work of Rodin, and the European Impressionists.
The museum also offers docent tours, children's and adult's programs and classes, and rotating exhibits in the main gallery. The exhibit is located at 150 West Liberty Street in downtown Reno. Galleries are open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m., and they are closed on Mondays and national holidays. You can call 775-329-3333 for more information.
Fleischmann Planetarium and Museum
Most people come to Reno for the casinos, but they can also view the wonder of the stars and planets only a few short blocks from all the gaming tables. The Fleischmann Planetarium, located on the University of Nevada Reno Campus, offers a Hall of the Solar System and gift shop for those who love to stargaze, and those who would like to learn more about our planetary neighbors. The museum features meteors found in Nevada, moon rocks, and you can even weigh yourself to discover how much you'd weigh on the moon, or Jupiter.
Visitors can also enjoy the SkyDome large-format feature film and a planetarium star show when they visit the Planetarium. Films change frequently, and the large-format dome theatre isn't for the feint of heart, it will put you right in the middle of all the action! The Planetarium is located at 1664 North Virginia Street. You can call 775-784-4811 for show times and more information.
National Auto Museum
The National Auto Museum is chock full of nostalgia, history, and cool cars - over 220 of them. They restore automobiles on site, and you can watch the volunteers at their work through large windows as you enter the museum. Each section of this well-designed museum highlights cars of different eras, along with some clothing representative of the times. Every visit is a trip down memory lane, with malt shops, gleaming chrome, and aged horseless carriages all represented.
The museum is located at 10 Lake Street (on the corner of Lake and Mill), just across the street from the new Siena Resort. You can call 775-333-9300 for information. The museum is open 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.