Sunday: 12:00 - 4:00pm
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
The Wilbur D. May Museum offers plenty of themed exhibitions, which tend to run January through April or May every year. The Hall of Heroes was just one of the many that made its way into the museum, letting everyone test their super human abilities.
This exhibit was packed with impressive figurines and hands on activities that were interesting, fun, and a blast for kids and adults. The kids were amazed from start to finish and kept getting more excited for whatever came next. They were able to test their speed, get blasted by a giant fan that made them feel like they were flying, try out their hanging strength, and solve puzzles that required a little super human brain power. Just like all the other exhibits here, you can always expect a good time with these themed displays.
One of the biggest reasons this museum stands out is because it holds the personal collection of Wilbur D. May, a rancher, pilot, artist, world traveler, and all around adventure seeker. Over his lifetime he traveled all over the world and brought home treasures from almost every corner of the globe. The museum holds these artifacts and displays them in a way that makes you feel like you are walking through the story of his life.
You will find cultural pieces from Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, and Europe. There are tribal masks, carved figures, pottery, ceramics from ancient dynasties, beautiful glasswork, and all kinds of decorative art. You will also see antique weapons and historic firearms that reflect both his world travels and his ranching lifestyle.
One of the most unforgettable parts of the museum is the recreation of his trophy room from his Double Diamond Ranch. It is filled with almost two hundred taxidermy animals along with some of the most unusual items you will ever see, like lamp bases made from zebra legs and furniture made from horns. There are also rare curiosities like a shrunken head, Egyptian scarabs, Inuit carvings, and relics from ancient civilizations.
The museum also includes recreated rooms from his actual home, which lets you step right into the life he lived. His own paintings are displayed as well, showing his talent and love for landscapes inspired by both Nevada and his travels. You even get a glimpse of his ranching life with saddles, gear, and western equipment that remind you he was just as grounded at home as he was adventurous abroad.
This is the only museum in Nevada where you will find a collection like this. Everything is well preserved and displayed in a clean and organized way, grouped so visitors can explore different cultures, stories, and time periods all in one place.
Museums inspire curiosity, preserve history, help us understand how we came to be, and let us travel the world without ever getting on a plane. The Wilbur D. May Museum is open to the public and is rarely crowded, which makes the entire experience relaxed and enjoyable.
You can find the museum inside Rancho San Rafael Park, Renos biggest and most dynamic park. You can find more information about the park in my other post HERE.
