Wilbur D. May Museum

Ready to get to know one of our favorite Legendary Nevadans? Meet Wilbur D. May—philanthropist, military servicemember, businessman, composer, pilot, rancher, and world traveler—we’re talking nearly real-life Indiana Jones status—who lived in Reno from the 1930s until his death in the 1980s. The Wilbur D. May Museum, situated in northwest Reno at Rancho San Rafael Park, presents his personal collection from more than 40 trips May made around the world, including artifacts from South America, American Western art, Japanese swords, European glasswork, Egyptian tomb relics, African tribal masks, Polynesian carvings, and even a few real shrunken heads spread across several well-executed permanent exhibits that make the visitor feel like they’ve just embarked on a globe-trotting tour themselves.

Open since 1985, the Wilbur D. May Museum in Reno, NV houses many permanent collections showcasing his adventurous life, exploring all corners of the globe. Discover the story behind his ranching empire, big game hunting and fishing expeditions, and world travels to nearly every continent in the world through an array of priceless artifacts from Africa, India, Asia, and beyond.

Wilbur D. May Center

The Wilbur D. May Center in Washoe County preserves the life and legacy of Wilbur D. May, who, during his lifetime, traveled all over the world. The son of the founder of the May Company Department Stores accumulated thousands of rare and exotic artifacts during his adventures and brought those back to his home in South Reno, NV. 

The museum is a ranch-style building and was designed to look like Wilbur’s home, which was originally situated in south Reno, where he raised race horses and black Angus cattle. Called the Double Diamond Ranch, May’s ranching empire once spanned 2,600 acres. His signature ranching brand, and name of the property was created from stacking his “W” and “M” initials together, forming the shape of two diamonds. Today, visit exhibits displayed exactly as they were in his home, including a bedroom, big game trophy living room, tack room, and theater room.

The museum gallery displays May’s prolific collection of more than 40 trips across the globe, all organized into countries of origin. The museum store carries a highly curated selection of certified Fair Trade and imported items from around the world, including home decor, jewelry, children’s items, and more. The museum also hosts art shows, traveling exhibits, special programs, and more throughout the year—for a full calendar of special events, be sure to get in touch with the museum directly at (775) 785-5961.

Wilbur D. May Arboretum And Botanical Garden

The Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden was established in 1983 and is located right next to the Wilbur D. May Museum in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. The gardens were a vision of Wilbur D. May, whose impassioned concern for the welfare and education of children are now realized. Today, the May Arboretum and Botanical Garden showcases a variety of more than 4,000 plant species and beautiful garden layouts across 13 acres of land. Many of the plants are native to the area and thrive in the high desert climate.

The May Arboretum is a lush and peaceful place to stroll year-round. Besides boasting breathtaking vistas of the Truckee Meadows and the eastern Sierra Nevada in the distance, the May Arboretum also functions as a wedding venue, an educational facility, and a research center, with many classes and workshops available to the public.