From the outside, the Wilbur D. May Museum doesn't look like much. Inside, you'll find an astonishing array of art and artifacts from all over the globe.
Located within Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, at 1595 N. Sierra St. in Reno, the May Museum displays treasures amassed by Wilbur D. May, owner of South Reno's famous Double Diamond Ranch. The 2,600-acre Double Diamond property is now covered with modern homes and offices, but May's legacy reaches far beyond the place where he raised prize-winning livestock and race horses.
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| The Tack Room, illustrating Wilbur D. May's life as a rancher in South Reno |
Born into the May Department Store family, Wilbur overcame a birth defect and fought in both World War I and World War II. He was a skilled aviator, athlete, artist, world-traveler and big-game hunter.
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| Wilbur D. May's trophy room from his numerous adventures as a big-game hunter in the 1920s, '30s and '40s |
May even penned the lyrics to a hit song, "Pass a Piece of Pizza, Please," which was recorded by Italian-American comedian Jerry Colonna and released by Capitol Records in 1947.
As well, May was a philanthropist, quietly giving generously to Nevada's child welfare agencies and educating orphans.
I truly did not expect the quality or quantity of rare and beautiful objects at the Wilbur D. May Museum. Many of Wilbur's collectibles were similar to things I've seen at Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History or Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, at University of Washington in Seattle.
http://fieldmuseum.org/
http://www.burkemuseum.org/
The collection at the May Museum is artfully presented, too. There is signage to indicate the age and origin of the treasures which include art glass, ancient instruments, swords and firearms, ceremonial masks, amulets, icons — far too many items to mention.
This is a wonderful, local museum for art and history enthusiasts of all ages. It also has a very nice gift shop.
Winter hours at the May Museum are Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3.50 for children or seniors (age 2 and under, free).
A special exhibit, "Creatures" is coming to the May Museum March 2-June 2, 2013. It will feature displays about both real and mythical creatures — dinosaurs, wooly mammoths, saber tooth tigers, sea monsters, dragons and Bigfoot. Admission during that exhibit will be $9 for adults, $8 for kids and seniors (2 and under, free).
For more information about the Wilbur D. May Museum, call (775) 785-5961 or visit http://www.washoecounty.us/parks/mc_home .
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