Explore the Keck

Explore the astounding collection of rare and common minerals, fossils and mining history relics. Free to the public since 1908.

Visit Nevada's oldest geology museum

Located in the Mackay School of Mines Building at the University of Nevada, Reno, the W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum houses an outstanding collection of minerals, ores, fossil specimens and photographs, in addition to mining related relics. The museum is also home to some of the spectacular Mackay Silver Collection, created by Tiffany & Co., for John Mackay and completed in 1878.

The Keck Museum has been free since it opened in 1908.

Hours

Open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the First Saturday of the Month from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact us

Mackay School of Mines Building
1664 N Virginia St, Reno, NV
(775) 784-4528
Keck Museum Facebook

Tight shot of the back of a school bus

Bringing the classroom to the Keck

Bring your students to the Keck Museum for an immersive field trip. Educational tours and activities are offered to K-12 students.

Portrait of Garrett Barmore in the museum with a clipboard and a cart displaying two minerals.

Mineral Monday with Garrett Barmore

Join Keck Museum Curator Garrett Barmore for a weekly video exploration of the incredible minerals fossils and objects on display at the Museum.

 

How to find the Keck and parking

The Keck Museum is located in the Mackay Mines building at the north end of the University quad. The closest parking is a short walk away at the south end of the quad. If using GPS enter Morrill Hall Alumni Center or navigate to the intersection of Center and 9th streets and enter the University. The parking lot is on your right. Parking at this lot is metered. For specific parking and accessibility questions please call the museum at 775-784-4528.

Mineral identification

The Keck Museum no longer offers mineral identification. We don't have the staff or resources to offer this service. The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology will help you with your inquiries.