Reno Exposition Arch Celebrates 100th Anniversary

The historic Reno landmark officially marks its centennial milestone today.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Awards

Reno Exposition Arch Celebrates 100th Anniversary

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The iconic Reno Exposition Arch celebrates its 100th anniversary today, October 23, 2026. This landmark, currently located on Lake Street, is being added to the city's Register of Historic Places.

Why it matters

The arch serves as a cultural symbol for the city, marking its historical role along the Transcontinental Highway. Its preservation underscores the city's commitment to honoring its heritage and iconic slogans.

The original arch was first illuminated on October 23, 1926, to celebrate the confluence of the Victory and Lincoln highways. The current structure, which replaced previous iterations, was installed in 1987.

The players

Reno Exposition Arch

This landmark serves as a primary historical gateway representing the city's identity along the Transcontinental Highway.

National Automobile Museum

This institution is located near the arch's current home on Lake Street and serves as a major regional cultural site.

The details

The arch was originally constructed to mark Reno's position along the Transcontinental Highway, later gaining the famous slogan 'Biggest Little City in the World' in 1929. The structure moved through various locations, including Idlewild Park and Paradise Park, before settling on Lake Street near the National Automobile Museum following its use in a film production about Ty Cobb.

October 23, 1926: The Reno Exposition Arch lights first turned on.
1929: The slogan was added to the arch.
1935: The slogan was restored to the arch.
1987: The current version of the arch was installed.
October 23, 2026: The arch turns 100 years old.

Culture Shift

The transition of the arch to the city's Register of Historic Places reflects a broader trend of shifting from viewing roadside infrastructure as temporary signage to valuing it as permanent heritage. This move secures the structure's future against the demolition cycles common in urban development.

Residents can view the historic arch at its current Lake Street location as it receives its new official status. This designation may lead to increased visibility and organized public recognition of the landmark in the coming months.

The takeaway

The centennial of the arch highlights the enduring appeal of the city's most famous slogan. Residents and visitors can appreciate the evolution of this landmark as a testament to the city's changing identity over the last century.