Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)

Address:	860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
Phone:	+1 206-324-1126
Site:	mohai.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

Casey Penk

MOHAI talks about the Seattle experience, in a way the internationalized Seattle Art Museum doesnt. Its a reflection of local invention and industriousness. If you only see one thing, watch the video in the second floor screening room, close to the stairs. Its a stirring, even patriotic reflection of what the city stands for, often too complimentary but certainly inspiring. The museum is wonderfully curated, with an impressive selection of artifacts and helpful placards. Theres a massive amount to see. Although its a small building, the exhibits are numerous and compact enough to allow for several hours of serious perusal. They managed to get some pivotal artifacts, like the Sonics 1979 championship trophy and the first piece of Microsoft software. These lend a certain gravity to the museums collection. With this focus on industrialization and commercialization comes considerable oversights. It tends to credit more than challenge efforts at industrial dominance, talking at length about their benefits while sidestepping environmental devastation, oppression of natives, and the greed of Seattle-based multinationals. A more balanced picture, less tainted by corporate donors, would do this city more credit. As it stands, MOHAI reflects the many ways Seattle has become just like everywhere else.

David M Gordon

Seattle, particularly the South Lake Union area, sees its old buildings torn down and replaced by contemporary skyscrapers that lack the visual flair and, yes, the history of the buildings now gone. To the credit of many local luminaries, notably Jeff Bezos (Amazons founder), the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI), located in the former Naval Armory building in Lake Union Park, keeps alive much of that (lost) history. MOHAIs exhibits are extensive, enlightening and educational, with a few hands-on (interactive) exhibits... and lots of fun. We visited again yesterday, thanks to its temporary exhibits that encourage you to return frequently. The current temporary exhibit is "Edible City," a history of food and dining in Seattle. Kudos to its curator, Rebekah Denn, who pieced together a phenomenally excellent, informative, and fun exhibit. Our visit consumed 2 hours easy, during which time I was never less than gobsmacked. Even a lengthy litany of superlatives would prove inadequate to describe my reaction to MOHAI... to describe MOHAI itself. I hope my photos below convey some small measure of the marvels found at MOHAI. Admission is $19.95/adult, and is worth every penny. Go!

Elena Starkova

I was impressed! Super museum, for kids and adults. A lot of history, different interactive models, stunning short movie about fire in Seattle on 1889. Different exhibitions filled my knowledge about history, industry and innovations of Seattle. For kids its also interesting, there are two playing zones. Also they had 4th floor: inside you are like captain of big ship, you can spin steering wheel , look into periscope and see lake Union! Highly recommended for families, for kids under 14 FREE! The territory around museum, Lake Union park is amazing place, where taxi hydroplanes are rising and landing. Must see.

Eoin Bailey

We were here as a big group for an event. The venue is quite interesting, specfiically the building. I didnt really wander around the exhibits after several friends said it was kinda boring, maybe they were wrong, I cant comment on that. The food was not great -- there were several different stalls of food and they were all kinda dodgy. The most interesting food was the panna cotta, which should be creamy, instead it was this firm, set, rubber-like substance. Honestly not one person who tried it liked it, not a good sign.

Scorpionfury

This place was incredible! We were told by friends that it "takes about 45 minutes to see it" but we were there for 4 hours and still hadnt seen everything before the place closed for the day! Very interesting history of the area and the city. The building is beautiful too! And in a great location. Was within walking distance from our hotel. We hope to make it back again some day to finish experiencing the rest of it. We had a great time! Perfect for the whole family! Definitely check this place out!

Shawnee Tucker

Love It! As a volunteer at another great Seattle Museum I took advantage of National Volunteer Appreciation Week and finally went to the MOHAI. Wow! Way beyond any expectations I had. This place is outstanding! It was very motivating. I love it and it satiated my craving for the history of my hometown in the most creative and mind blowing way. Go! Do it! I will continue to recommend it to everyone who comes to my info desk at SAM only now I will do it with even greater enthusiasm.

Edward Aites

This new museum (or new at this location, anyway) is a fun and interesting view of how Seattle became the city it is now. Lots of exhibits, done in a way that tries to make it colorful and involving, for kids as well as adults. They have everything from artifacts to displays and youll learn a lot. The park it is in, South Lake Union Park, is perfect for a picnic or a view of Lake Union.

David Roche

A fun way to learn a lot of Seattle history. The Rainier Beer "R", Toe Truck and original Lusty Lady sign. Great stuff. Be sure to check the website for the location of parking a few blocks away. The stroll from the parking lot along the lake is pretty in good weather, and its fun to watch the boats and sea planes. I imagine the walk would be a drag in the rain, though.

Corey R

Such a wonderful museum. Love learning about Seattles history of boom, bust, and continuous innovation. Great for visiting friends and families that like museums and dont necessarily enjoy the crowds. Plus its in Lake Union Park so theres a lot of really scenic views, outdoor spaces; and you can even watch seaplanes take off and land on the water.

Matthew Robinson

A fantastic, well organized, perfect example of a museum. Visited before moving here and will still continue to frequent its exhibits. The whole place is an interactive and informative experience. Would 1,000% recommend for families and children 10+ Learned a lot about Seattles history and you cant beat the views on the dock! Love!

JoAnn Welch

Best history museum I have ever been to. The exhibits are fun and hold your attentions--including a mini musical about the great Seattle fire. Rotating exhibits are well done also. I went to the edible Seattle exhibit about food around the northwest area. Only complaint is that the museum is freezing so bring a sweater.

Sara Andersen

I had a lovely visit here. You can spend hours here learning about the City of Seattle. There is 4 levels of exhibits to see. There is a cafe that serves a few hot and cold meals and a few desserts, nothing outstanding, I recommend trying somewhere else in The South Lake Union area if you are looking to grab a bite.

Kyle Levy

MOHAI has quite a bit more content than I originally expected. I spent nearly three hours there, and I still didnt make it through all of the exhibits by the time the museum closed. The museum has a vast amount of information about the history of the Puget Sound region, coupled with an extensive array of artifacts.

Martha Miller

Great museum to learn about Seattles history and all the innovations that have come out of the area. While this is not a childrens museum, there are several exhibits with things for children to do. If youre worried about investing in the $20 adult admission price, go on the first Thursday of any month for free.

Doug Dierdorf

This is a very attractive museum that covers a wide variety of topics. Lighthouse Fresnel Lenses to Unlimited Class Hydroplanes all of the features of the Seattle cultural and historical environment are brought together in one place. Not a large museum allow a couple hours, but dont plan a full day.