I’ve been to this place three times with different people and it’s definitely worth multiple visits. They have an expansive array of exhibits telling the story of Seattle, but what stands out the most is the interactive design of several of those exhibits. The museum is spread across multiple floors and displays a wide variety of interesting artifacts. Another thing that makes this place so enthralling is the contrast between the distant history of Seattle and the story of modern day industrialization of Seattle, including the relatively recent tech boom.
I’ve only been able to see the outside due to the Covid restrictions and it being shut down I cannot wait for it to open so I can go in and see all of the neat stuff even the outside is great there is tons of old ships with lots of history so if you need to get out with the kids or just looking for something to do I recommend this place highly for everyone and it’s great for little ninjas that are about to join gangs.
Good to swing by, check out, take a few photos and leave with a good memory of been there, done it. Not something so spectacular or extraordinary that will make you want to keep returning, at least not to me. Best to go during the nights when all them lights illuminate and sparkle!
Really great spot for both kids and adults. Lots of information presented in ways that are very easy to digest. Lots of little info placards, multimedia formats (videos in mini theaters), touch screen interactions and even a very cool large scale mechanical interaction piece. Highly recommend checking this place out if you want to learn a little bit more about Seattles history and the progress that has been made to transform this area to the city it is today. It also contains lots of information about the lake which is located nearby which is cool and explains with awesome interactive displays about how the Ballard locks work. Reasonable entrance fee and discounts for students, military, etc. Lots of space to store coats, and lockers for larger items.
This is the most surprisingly wonderful museum in Seattle.It is also so handicap accessible, and very welcoming of service dogs. Never was felt unwelcome due to my service dog, and even when I went to an interactive museum, one if the very kind staff watched my dog while I experienced the exhibit. I understand it was due to safety reasons, and felt completely comfortable with my companion and aide in anothers care.Also there is plenty of rest stops with comfy couches and seating all throughout, a plus to someone like myself. It is truly thought of every able bodied and limited body alike.The exhibits are amazing. I love the toe trick, the marked selfie locations, the interactivity stuff, memorabilia and learning in a fun way. So much new knowledge of my home, Seattle.I will definitely return again. You could spend yours here. And they have parking right by their building past the pay lot. Didnt know that this time!All staff are incredible from the gift shop (which has something for everyone!), to the front desk, and the cafe.
Friendly staff, some great exhibits and great price.
Heres to hoping this place survives the pandemic. Ive always appreciated there was a place for all things Washington in one place near the water. great museum
Wow what a gem not expected perfect for a rainy day. Absolutely had a great time
What a great place to learn about Seattle’s past in a place that feels artsy and historic at the same time. The video about the Seattle fire is well done and there are many hands on activities for kids throughout the museum. We usually buy a family plus membership here that is reciprocal with other museums and it ends up being a worthwhile investment. My kids have been to some of the camps and classes here and have enjoyed them too.
Our family ejoyed on various exhibits on history of Washington and truly proud of innovations originated in WA.
I was impressed with this place, had way more than I expected. Next time need to plan for a few hours to see everything. I highly recommend this place for anyone interested in Seattle history.
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.
Very interesting museum, especially for kids, to learn about the history of Seattle and USA. To learn how the industry here boomed like Boeing company, train tracks set from Minnesota, how the land changed and WW2 and many other things. ~2 hours max here.
We spent about four hours here today. Such a great overview of Seattles history and the many innovations that have come out of Seattle. I was pleased that women were represented well. Also an absolutely wonderful Cafe with delicious food, reasonable prices, and excellent service as well.
Everything you could ever want to learn about how Seattle came to be. Such a beautiful spot!
An excellent museum.The history of Seattle and the pnw is well captured and portrayed. It is informative and a must see for everyone in the region.The special exhibitions are thoughtfully curated as well.The cafe serves good food.There is enough to keep kids entertained as well.A little pricey but worth a trip.
We happened to walk by late on Thursday and found admission was free on that day. What an incredible collection of history! From the early days of Seattle, to all sports memories and inventions such as Amazon and Apple, there is something for everybody. We were there an hour before closing so we didnt get to finish looking through everything. You should plan on a couple of hours. Highly recommend!
Wonderful placeInnovation exhibits are very informativeLocated near the lake in Seattle
I was very impressed with this museum. Took over 2 hours to get through. Is worth the trip there
Excellent overview of local history on top floors. Also revisit for special exhibits and programs. First Thursday free donations always a good idea. Location central to Seattle but parking may be an issue.
Very historic museum, you will need 1 day inside believe me
We really enjoyed this museum with all the interactive exhibits. Amazing artifacts and photographs, showing the history of Seattle and how innovative the area and city has always been.
Great museum for Seattle history. The First Thursday of the month is free.
If you live in Seattle and have not been here, you need to go! Awesome history of Seattle!
While it could update more frequently, this museum is charming and interesting. My dad likes the reminders of Seattles recent history, like the Ivars Clams. My mom likes the stories about the old Seattle, like the great Seattle fire. Just outside are several historic wooden boats, and the museum itself is built into the old Naval Reserve armory. This museum is friendly, entertaining, and free on the first Thursday of every month. Its worth going, every couple of years, or any time you have family visiting for more than a week.
Definitely a trip back in time! Loved seeing all the Seattle icons I grew up with: Toe truck, Rainier Beers, Ivars clam, Slo Motion hydro plane, and so much more. Hours if fun!
Interesting displays. The childrens play area was a hit with my grandson and a respite for this jet-lagged grandma. Creative offerings in the gift shop.
Fantastic museum which was very informative. They have a little bit of everything and the majority of industry that were highly successful in the Seattle area. You need more than a few hours if you truly want to experience the museum in its entirety.
I was able to attend the MOHAI on the first Thursday and get free admission. It is very close to the Center for Wooden Boats, another free little venue. The museum is in a good location with a beautiful view from the outside. The inside was impressive right away and the employees were friendly, even holding the door open for me as I entered and left the building. Each little exhibit has so much to see and read. I didn’t realize that the museum is dedicated to history and industry that have taken place in Seattle, which was a good surprise. Exhibits were interactive, interesting, and had something for everyone. What was fun is that I explored other free centers in Seattle (Klondike Museum, Gates Discovery) before attending the museum, and I feel like I was able to better appreciate those exhibits in the MOHAI.
This was closed due to the pandemic, but the surrounding park was open
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!
Great exhibits and usually a large rotating exhibit every few months. Shop has amazing items ranging from cards to cook books to wallets from local vendors for very reasonable prices. Membership comes with two guest passes. I find membership well worth it as you get to see exhibits before they open and with comments from the curator!
The Borealis lights even was awesome. There was no parking but it was to be expected from downtown seattle. There were food trucks and a bunch of different vendors. This was the first time this event was happening in Seattle so I was not expecting much. I was happily mistaken. This even was well organized, with lots of security and police directing traffic. Cant wait for next year.
Interesting exhibits showing the history of Seattle. Especially enjoyed the Boeing section. Great place to host team parties.
Came here on a day off for the free museum day. The museum is pretty small and not that engaging. Theres walls of text and few interactive exhibits.
This place is the place you go to know the entire history of Seattle. I went in there because it was the nearest bathroom I could find and stayed because it looked interesting. I have to admit, at times it is a tad boring but there are interactive displays and games to keep your attention. I overall enjoyed walking through this museum. Its in my opinion, about medium sized. But I liked it.
Very Relaxed atmosphere for large groups and wheel chair guests. Lots of information so take your time and parking lot is a ways off from the museum in the AGC building. Its a light brown 8 story building next to the Kenmore Air. The Museum covers 50% of the Parkaid AGC also servicing Argosy cruise. Its worth the hike to the museum after parking 5/10 minutes walk. Theres a public bathroom and a great restaurant within the museum soup and sandwiches $$.
Sophisticated displays. They are not very efficient about check in to special shows. Food in Cafe under flavored. Hot drinks not hot.
Company held a Christmas party here- good location since it’s right on beautiful lake Union, and the museum aspect gave introverts a place to recharge during the party.
I enjoyed the detailed timeline of the Seattle area, from the first people to current time.
The absolute best part of this museum is the Seattle fire exhibit. Its worth the admission just to see that!!
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.
Fantastic accounts and artifacts from the very beginnings of the city of Seattle to the present day
The exhibits are beautiful and educational without being too wordy. I really enjoyed learning more about the history and development of Seattle! Great for kids and adults.
Really nice museum lots of cool exhibits but a little depressing to see the history of pillaging the native peoples and the Earth
MoHai museum very informative, fun place to spend half a day. Tons of local history. Great for kids, interesting for adults. Innovative way to get innovation. Well done!
This museum covers many aspects of Seattles history, beginning with an in-depth look at its native groups and early European exploration and continuing all the way through modern day Seattle and its place in the world economy. The exhibits are well-designed, engaging, and varied. Theres something for every historical interest here but I especially love how the museum tells a cohesive and comprehensive story about Seattle throughout time. There are also some additional exhibits, including a display of some famous Seattle signs, exhibits sponsored by Boeing and Amazon, and historical ships.
Great place to hang during bad weather ... They even have umbrella bags when you go in BUT dont bring anything to eat or drink-no hot coffee NOT ALLOWED ... Tthe staff was very friendly ... Did not make it to the 3rd floor but there is plenty to see and discover about the Seattle areas history ... Will go again when I have more time to truly look at everything
Pretty cool place to hang out and learn about Seattle-area and Washington history. Went after work on a first Thursday of the month. The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 musical is quite memorable.
Unique museum that gives a great overview of the Seattle area history
Cool spot. Really enjoyed lake union cruise on the Virginia 5, steam boat. Awesome experience. Definitely plan on attending next years Seafair Holiday Cruise.
Talk about a fantastic museum! Entry can be expensive but there are ways around that (free museum days). Even without a discount I think it is definitely worth the visit. Their special exhibit when I went was fantastic and all about Seattle fashion. To be honest, my expectations werent very high but I was happily surprised it the quality of the exhibit. They even have an area specifically for kids to interact with and play. I will definitely be back.
Lots of neat items and interesting history about Seattle. Every museum has different things to see including this one. Im glad I went.
Pretty cool museum in a great location. I definitely learned a lot about Seattle history that I never knew before. The food exhibit was especially interesting (fun fact: the Seattle area has more restaurants with Teriyaki in the name than it has McDonalds or Burger Kings).
Our staff visited MOHAI for our holiday celebration. Everyone had only one complaint - half a day was just not enough to take everything in!
Very cool museum showcasing the industrial and cultural innovations of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Interactive displays and sort movie presentations that keep kids and adults entertained and engaged. Cool place to spend a couple hours.
Love...Love...LOVE The MOHI!!! On this last trip we went on the Bridge Tour aboard the Virginia V steam ship. What a blast!!
Excellent little museum. Always love history of our beautiful city and state. Free parking on Sunday. Park, geese, 360 views outside, planes and boats.
The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) is a history museum in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. MOHAI is the largest private heritage organization in the State of Washington maintaining a collection of nearly 4 million artifacts, photographs, and archival materials that primarily focus on Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region. A portion of this collection (roughly 2% at any given time) is on display in the museums galleries at the historic Naval Reserve Armory in Lake Union Park. Highlights include Boeings first commercial plane, the 1919 Boeing B-1; the Petticoat Flag, an 1856 American Flag sewn by women during the Battle of Seattle; and the Rainier Brewing Companys 12-foot tall neon R sign. In addition to both permanent and temporary exhibits, MOHAI administers ongoing youth and adult programming, and regularly hosts public events in partnership with other community organizations, particularly within the South Lake Union neighborhood. MOHAI is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a Smithsonian affiliate museum.
I suspect that I am in the minority but I found the displays dated and fairly static. Oddly, I much preferred this museum at the old location. I do love the tree sculpture rising from the main floor. Thats a great new element.
Great exhibit ! Try using Microsoft hololens2, it’s a special way to enjoy Mont-Saint-Michel!Through Jan 26,2020
Took advantage of the museum day to visit the place. The experience was surprisingly better than what I expected. The short movies and small theatres there are interesting and helpful for understanding how Seattle grew. Theres many things to see in the seemingly not so big museum.
We spent a fascinating couple of hours here learning all about the history of Seattle from the early settlers, the great fire, through to its involvement with Boeing. Everything is well displayed and explained and there are plenty of short videos and films to watch. The cafe on the ground floor is also a good place for a coffee or light lunch. Well recommended.
Exhibits are ok. Location is great. Being right on the water next to the boats is really fun!
I have not been to MOHAI since it moved to the Lake Union location. I thoroughly enjoyed the fashion exhibit and the permanent exhibits always bring back fond memories for me! I decided to purchase a membership so I can come back with friends and family when they are in town. I especially love the interactive displays and I know my grandchildren will enjoy them as well!
Amazing venue to visit when open to the public, or for private events! No better collection of PNW Americana to be found in Washington State!
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.
A great place to learn about Seattles history. A must-see if visiting and great for residents as well.
This museum demonstrates that there can be healthy capitalism, better business practices and overall humor in discovering history. Kids through adults - I am positive that you will enjoy MOHAI showing equal rights battles, the history of Pacific Northwest Native Americans through Seattles best innovators and businesses. This is the place to take your family, friends and visit during any tourist event. The cost is wellworth the time and being right at the center of Seattle - a go-to place for a walk, stroll or inside-visit. Go ahead and take the chance to better understand our history and the development of Seattle.
I recently moved to Seattle and this was a great way to learn the history of the city. It was inspirational to learn about the contributions our great city has contributed to society.
I really liked how the museum was organized. I would think if it as the history or Seattle and the pacific north west.
I’m a Seattleite but had never been to MOHAI. I really enjoyed it! Spent about 2 hours. The early Seattle exhibit was my favorite.
I liked the old one, but this one is very cool! Great permanent displays.
Nice place to spend some time and learn about the ever changing city of Seattle. There is something for everyone to enjoy! As with most museums they change some of the exhibits to keep things a little fresh. I can easily spend 3 hours taking my time here.
Cute museum with lots of history of Seattle’s many headquartered business! Learn a lot about what makes Seattle such a hub for big companies!
Good place for knowledge. Entry fees should be lower to attract more visitors, specifically international visitors.
Fascinating history presented in static, confusing, even lazy format. Time for new blood with energy and imagination.
It was like reading a story so down-to-earth and so beautifully illustrated. A visionary and practical city. There is this spirit of problem solving for better inhabitancy rooted in the core, as well as a vividness and native human emotion freely expressed. Cant wait to check out Alki Point post visit!
Great little museum. Free entrance on the first Thursday of every month
Beautiful and elaborate museum! Loads of AV and interactive exhibits. Definitely must visit.
Great museum also have a kids play area,a restaurant,outside seaside view and boats..nearby is a sea ️ plane landing zone which is visible from the deck. Parkings are paid .
Really interesting exhibits on the top floor. Im a wheelchair user and have a service dog and everything was accessible for us. If anything, the staff were too helpful! Beautiful art and large local selection for sale in the gift shop! If you like supporting local art, Im pretty sure you can visit the gift shop for free, also its free every first Thursday of the month.
Great place to spend some time with the family. There are so many fun things to do there but I recommend if you have a teen over 13-14 than not to stay longer than 2 hours just because they get a little restless.
Fun museum to browse around when you dont have much to do on your hand. I particularly liked the innovation section. It was fun to check patents.
Terrible parking situation. $47 fine for not backing in properly when the signs are not clear. Just a waste. Parking police do nothing to warn people either... we just walked past each other. Waste of an actually good museum. Never going again, and will be keeping hundreds of family and friends away to make up the balance.
This place is surprisingly awesome! Easy to spend several hours here. Lots of fun and interesting exhibits!
It was great. In no way is it a one trip thing unless you dont want to pay attention to any of the details. We were there for a few hours and only saw a small portion of it. The great Seattle fire exibit was............. unique ? I need to go back soon.
This is the place for all the history buffs out there. I was unaware of how rich and deep the history of Puget Sound, and specifically the Seattle area, was until my family and I visited the MOHAI on our last day in Washington State. Beware, this museum cannot be taken in, in its detailed entirety, in one day. There are many small exhibits, each with a detailed placard of information, and I found that after 2 to 3 hours we had only covered about half of what the museum had to offer, then we rushed through the remainder since we had a plane to catch. Dont forget to bring the kids, as there are many interactive exhibits to spark their young interests as well.
Really got a good dose of Seattle history. Liked that there were lots of kids on field trips.
The MOHAI is amazing! So much information and all of it cool. I brought my 9 year old niece and 12 year old nephew and they didnt get bored at all. There was so much to look at, we wish we had more time. Plan to make a day of it, and bring lunch or eat at their Cafe. Come early and leave town before traffic or find something else to go do to wait traffic out.
Went for a company Christmas party. Great place with lots to read and learn!
Great place to visit, with many interesting and informative exhibits. The day we were there many school children on a field trip roaming around and that added to the festivities.
We went on free admission day, kids loved it. Theres alot of interesting facts we learned about Washington, having moved here from Texas we had no clue about. My favorite was the music exhibit it has all the best grunge bands! The kids liked the 3rd floor its like your inside a boat and can use the binoculars to see all of downtown.
Not a museum to just whip through. Lots to see. We came to see the Seattle Fashion Exhibit and ran out of time. Dont miss the short film in the theater regarding Seattles history- well worth it! And a great museum shop to boot.
Amazing, interactive museum! We were there for over 2.5 hours and still havent seen it all!
Really nice! More of a kids museum vibe. Fun to walk through
Super cool museum, not at all what I expected. Could easily spend a whole day here. Next time Id like to check out the vintage boats more.
Beautiful views as you drive or walk up to the museum.
Really fun museum that has the most comprehensive history of Seattle. The exhibits are really well done and our 4 year old had a blast playing with them. Great for kids on a rainy day and for watching Seaplanes outside.