Nevada City is home to an abundance of cultural assets. The following links are provided to acquaint visitors with several local points of interest. Please visit the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce for more information about local events and activities.

Miners Foundry Cultural Center

The Miners Foundry Cultural Center is a living historic treasure serving Nevada County as a cultural arts and community events center. The Foundry dates back to 1856 and for many years provided steel and metal fabrication for the local mines. The first Pelton Wheel, a Nevada County invention which revolutionized hydroelectric power production, was built at the Foundry in 1879. Today, the Foundry is a symbol of California's rich historical heritage, providing an education and social bridge from our past to the present.

Historic Firehouse No. 1 Museum

Built in 1860-61 to house the Nevada Hose Company No. 1, the firehouse is perhaps the most photographed building in Nevada City. Today, the building is operated as a museum by the Nevada County Historical Society offering comprehensive collections of mining and Donner Party relics, Nisenan and Maidu Indian artifacts, pioneering clothing and furnishings, and a complete altar from a Chinese Joss House (temple) that was at one time located in Grass Valley's Chinatown. Located at 214 Main Street, the Firehouse Museum is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the summer.

Nevada Theatre

The Nevada Theatre is the oldest existing theatre building on the west coast that continues to operate as a theatre. Built in 1865, the 200-seat theatre is in use year round for both live performance and movies. The theatre is registered as California Historical Landmark No. 863 and since 1973 has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic Firehouse No. 2

Constructed in 1860-61, Firehouse No. 2 was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and is currently storing a fire truck making it one of California's oldest continuing-use firehouses. The historic firehouse is located at 420 Broad Street and features a two-story portico in front and a Greek Revival cornice.

Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum is dedicated to the preservation of local transportation history and artifacts from the narrow gauge railroad era. Visitors are offered a docent-led tour of the museum, rail yard, and restoration shop. Exhibits include NCNCRR Engine 5, rolling stock, an early steam automobile and more!