John and Geraldine Lilley Museum of Art

Get to know one of the best Reno art museums right in the heart of the University of Nevada’s campus at the John and Geraldine Lilley Museum of Arts. The Church Fine Arts building has long been part of UNRs lineup of colleges, but received a complete renovation in 2019, including the opening of the Lilley galleries. With a mission to include inclusive programming, diverse and stimulating exhibits, along with permanent and upcoming exhibitions featuring a transcultural collection, this is one collection to make sure and see during your Reno-area discoveries. 

Since opening in 2019, the Lilley has showcased more than 5,000 objects from the home of local collectors. Considering Nevada’s history is made up of a true melting pot of cultures who came to the Silver State from all corners of the globe, rest assured the permanent collection within this Reno art museum to be representative of all cultures near and far. The permanent collection dates back to the 1960s, and every acquired piece since includes BIPOC and queer artists work, with a commitment to diversifying the collection for years to come.

John and Geraldine Lilley Museum of Arts is made up of several galleries across campus, including the McNamara and Front Door Galleries at the Church Fine Arts building, as well as the Student Galleries at the Jot Travis Building, and the Investment Gallery at the Fitzgerald student services building. This UNR museum programming is sponsored by the Nevada Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Nevada Humanities. For more information on past exhibitions, upcoming exhibitions, and Lilley museum events, get in touch with the museum directly at (775) 784-6658.

Know Before You Go

Food and drink is not permitted within the Lilley. There are no coat or bag checks available within the museum, so please remember to leave all large bags and backpacks at home. If you do have a backpack with you, you may wear it in front of your body, or leave it by the museums attendant’s desk upon entry. Bring your camera, but please remember to disable the flash function when taking photos of any artwork within any galleries.