Sparks Museum & Cultural Center

Located conveniently off of Interstate 80, in Nevada’s Reno Tahoe Territory, the Sparks Museum and Cultural Center inspires dynamic connections to Northern Nevada’s unique heritage through creative programs, exhibits and publications.

Sparks proud railroad heritage is apparent in its historic downtown where the Museum is located.  A vintage steam locomotive, cupola caboose and Pullman executive car are displayed along with a depot replica, the restored one room Glendale Schoolhouse and a monument to the Chinese rail workers.  Inside the Museum visitors explore 4000 square feet of engaging exhibits. Using vintage artifacts to tell the story, the exhibits give one a good sense of the rapid changes the region has undergone from ranching and mining to the introduction of the railroad and into modern times, including the significant role the region has played in the Space program.

The Sparks Museum and Cultural Center’s Changing Gallery features unique displays focusing on the arts, sciences, history, and the rich diversity of the region and its people.  A variety of educational programs for adults and families are offered throughout the year.

The Museum’s major annual event is the WESTERN HERITAGE FESTIVAL held in Victorian Square each year.  If you are an artist  interested in participating in the festival download the  CRAFTER APPLICATION and return it to the Museum.

Tours of the Train and Museum are available to the public on Saturdays and Sundays between 1 and 4 pm and are included in the price of admission.

Price:
$5 for Adults
Members and Children under 12 are Free.

Hours:
Museum & Train: 1 pm to 4 pm – Saturday
Museum Only: 11 am to 4 pm – Tuesday to Friday

 

The Sparks Museum is operated by Volunteers and relies on memberships and donations to operate.  In 2014 we are are grateful to have received funding to support our educational programs which include but are not limited to free school tours, a free downloadable app walking tour of downtown Sparks, a free coloring book to all children, the NV150 Sesquecentennial Events Series – Celebrating 150 years of Nevada History and Heritage culminating with the Western Heritage Festival.

These programs have been funded, in part, by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, Nevada Humanities, Union Pacific Railroad and the City of Sparks.