The best arts & culture spots in Reno

“Skip the plane ticket, explore Reno's cabinet of curiosities at Wilbur D. May Center, where an adventurer's haul fills galleries with African masks, Chinese pottery, antique firearms and brilliant glasswork. Then chill in the indoor garden with koi or stroll the arboretum while fresh traveling exhibits roll through.”

From the Reno newsletter, August 6, 2026

“Whether you’re into contemporary art, altered landscape photography, or Western narratives, Nevada Museum of Art pulls it together with an internationally recognized Institute for Art + Environment.”

From the Reno newsletter, August 15, 2026

“This week, take a quick brain vacation at the W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum, where Reno’s mining roots meet an eye-popping lineup of minerals, fossils and historic relics.”

From the Reno newsletter, August 12, 2026

“If you haven't wandered through the National Automobile Museum lately, it's an easy win. Over 240 beautifully preserved cars staged in authentic street scenes and sounds make it feel like the city took a detour through history, with new exhibits that keep even non-gearheads coming back.”

From the Sparks newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Nevada Historical Society keeps Reno’s story alive with bite-size On The GO! talks, virtual exhibits, and deep-dive programs that dig into everything Nevada, including the American Gaming Archives. Sneak in a midweek brain stretch this week, it’s local history you can actually brag about at coffee.”

From the Reno newsletter, August 18, 2026

“John and Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art launches fresh fall exhibits on August 27, including Earth’s Winding Sheet. Beyond the openings, their permanent collection spotlights Nevada and Western painters like Maynard Dixon and Jim McCormick, so you get thoughtful curation and hometown roots in one quick art recharge.”

From the Reno newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Whether you grew up under it or just breeze past on Virginia Street, Reno Arch is the third iteration of the city’s iconic welcome sign, flashing silver and blue and that "Biggest Little City in the World" spirit born in the 1920s, perfect for quick photos and a hit of hometown pride.”

From the Sparks newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Believe Sculpture is that rare Reno landmark that actually earns the hype. Built by Burning Man artists and set in City Plaza by the Virginia Street Bridge, its rust-toned, bird-cut letters glow at night, attract skaters, and deliver peak people-watching energy on any random Tuesday.”

From the Reno newsletter, September 20, 2026

“The Discovery is Reno’s go-to for interactive science, with 67,000 square feet of exhibits and rotating experiences like Above and Beyond, Inside Out: an Anatomy Experience, and Energy/Energía. Go solo or bring kids, then keep an eye out for grown-up nights like Social Science and Chemistry of the Cocktail.”

From the Sparks newsletter, September 11, 2026