Explore the Reno Riverwalk Museums! The Reno Riverwalk boasts three fabulous museums to tour, allowing visitors a fantastic experience.
Nevada Museum of Art
The Nevada Museum of Art, located at 160 W Liberty St, just west of Sierra St in the Reno Riverwalk District, is Nevada’s only art museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Parking lots conveniently surround the museum, simplifying parking for visitors. If the museum’s designated lot is full, nearby lots and an oversized parking garage next door provide additional parking options. Street parking, rideshare drop-offs, and Bird scooters can also be used.
Visitors are sure to find the galleries stylistically beautiful and inspiring, providing further appreciation for the stories that can be shared through art. The museum’s top-floor balcony offers stunning views of the towering mountains. Guests can unwind in the Nightingale Sky Room, an event space with a serene atmosphere. Furthermore, the museum’s edible garden, located outside the building, showcases an array of fruits and flowers for visitors to admire.
Fun for all ages
For families, the museum offers the “Hands ON! Second Saturdays” program on the second Saturday of every month. It features family-friendly activities and free admission! While certain sections of the museum may be blocked off due to construction, the museum is expected to become an ideal spot for family fun after its expansion.
Nosh & Nibbles
The museum’s café offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups, as well as a drink menu with options such as coffee, tea, sodas, beer, wines, and cocktails. Nearby, the Cheese Board & Wine Cellar and Peg’s Glorified Ham N’ Eggs offer additional dining options for visitors.
Fine art finds for friends and family
The museum’s gift shop contains a wide selection of merchandise. This includes glass pots from local glassblowers, work from local painters, books by local authors, cards by local designers, locally made scarves, stuffed animals, jewelry, board games, and card games.
The museum is undergoing a significant expansion, expected to be completed by 2025.
Sierra Arts Gallery
When visiting the Riverwalk, stop by the Sierra Arts Gallery, conveniently located just a stone’s throw from the river and a block away from the nearby casinos. Since 1971, the Sierra Arts Foundation has been dedicated to unifying, inspiring, elevating, and giving voice to the arts and humanities in Northern Nevada through community-driven programs, education, artist services, and advocacy.
With a strong emphasis on teaching, nurturing, and supporting the arts and humanities in the community, Sierra Arts offers many opportunities for artists of all disciplines and ages. This includes professional development, financial support, and promotional and marketing assistance. Sierra Arts also plays a pivotal role in creating and managing spaces and venues throughout the Reno community for artists to express the human experience through their work.
Grab a bite on the wild side
After you visit the Sierra Arts Gallery, enjoy a delicious meal at Wild River Grille! Nestled on the banks of the picturesque Truckee River in the same historic Riverside Hotel building, Wild River Grille welcomes guests to indulge in the creative, contemporary cuisine prepared by a top-notch team of chefs, cheerfully served in a family-owned restaurant. Their patio views are unparalleled on warm days and evenings, and the interior evokes the history and nature surrounding us.
National Automobile Museum
The National Automobile Museum, located at 1 Museum Drive near the Truckee River, offers visitors a gated parking lot and street parking. Facilities for bike parking are available, and great alternative transportation options such as Bird scooters or rideshare drop-offs are easily accessed.
Visitors to the National Automobile Museum can expect to be entertained by a wide array of exhibits, including the displays of historic vehicles and the Cars of the Stars exhibit featuring vehicles from movies or owned by celebrities. The museum’s decor also adds to the overall atmosphere, with pathways that resemble roads and interior spaces designed to emulate street scenes.
Driving force for families
The museum is a perfect destination for families, with interactive exhibits such as the E.L. Wiegand Children’s Educational Activity Center and the wide periods of vehicles offering something for every family member. Additionally, the museum features movies playing in the theater, guided tours, and photo opportunities.
The museum’s gift shop offers a range of souvenirs, including clothing, accessories, car-themed items, and a toy section.
Nearby Bites
While the museum does not offer dining options, nearby establishments such as The Shore, Bundox Bocce, and Wild River Grille provide convenient choices for visitors.
The National Automobile Museum features a rotating selection of cars and exhibits, making it worthwhile to stay updated on the latest offerings by visiting their website or following them on social media.
Embrace the Arts at the Lake Mansion
Established in 1986 as Very Special Arts Nevada, Arts for All Nevada is more than just a museum. Nestled near the Truckee River, this remarkable organization collaborates with the community to host vibrant art festivals featuring day-long artistic activities, interactive art experiences, and captivating live performances.
As their involvement within the community evolved, Arts for All Nevada expanded its mission to include preserving the historic Lake Mansion as a hub for arts and culture exploration. In 2015, the organization underwent a name change to Arts for All Nevada, aligning with its commitment to integrating art and culture into the lives of all Nevadans. They now offer the public a diverse range of high-quality fine art classes and incorporate art programs into school curricula.
Discover Your Creative Potential
In their classes and programs, you can immerse yourself in a wide array of art movements and mediums, including visual art, creative movement, drama, and literary expression. Suitable for individuals of all ages and skill levels, these classes provide a fantastic opportunity to unleash creativity.
Indulge in Local Delights
Located across the street, the Great Basin Food Coop is a community-owned grocery store showcasing organic, sustainably sourced produce and artisanal goods. Whether you crave locally roasted coffee, fresh sandwiches, housemade soups, or delectable baked treats, the Great Basin Food Coop cafe has something to satisfy every palate. Other delicious locations include Walden’s Cafe, located just a few feet from the museum, offering delicious breakfast and lunch selections, or walking a few blocks to Brewer’s Cabinet, one of the original Craft Breweries in the city.
