About the Museum
Chronicles Seattle and Puget Sound history through innovation and industry. Features exhibits on Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, maritime commerce, Great Seattle Fire, and region's transformation from frontier town to technology hub.
Signature Collections and Exhibits
MOHAI houses an extraordinary collection of over 6.5 million items spanning artifacts, photographs, archival materials, and oral histories that document the Puget Sound region's remarkable transformation. The museum's permanent exhibition "True Northwest: The Seattle Journey" traces the city's evolution from indigenous homeland through its emergence as a global technology center, while "Maritime Seattle" celebrates the region's deep connection to the sea and its role in Pacific commerce.
Current featured exhibits showcase the Pacific Northwest's distinctive culture of movement and innovation. "Kickstands Up! 125 Years of Motorcycling in the PNW" (through April 2026) explores the region's rich motorcycle heritage, while "Riding Together: 135 Years of Cycling in Seattle" (through April 2026) celebrates the city's enduring bicycle culture. These rotating exhibitions complement the museum's comprehensive permanent collections documenting local industry giants like Boeing, Microsoft, and Starbucks.
Interactive Learning and Family Programs
The museum's Bezos Center for Innovation and Kid-Struction Zone provide hands-on learning experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages. Families with young children can request Discovery Packs (available in English and Spanish) specifically designed for ages 3-10. Located in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood, MOHAI also features the Gourmondo café and MOHAI Mercantile gift shop. The museum offers extensive educational programming including field trips, portable museum rentals for schools, and scholarships for qualifying students, making Pacific Northwest history accessible to the entire community.
Plan Your Visit
MOHAI is located at 860 Terry Avenue N in Seattle's vibrant South Lake Union neighborhood, housed in the historic Naval Reserve Building on the south shore of Lake Union. The museum features the Gourmondo café and MOHAI Mercantile gift shop. Families with young children ages 3-10 can request Discovery Packs (available in English and Spanish) at the front desk. For current hours, admission pricing, and special events, call (206) 324-1126 or visit mohai.org.
Getting Involved
Support MOHAI's mission to preserve and share Seattle and Puget Sound history by becoming a member, volunteering, or making a donation. The museum offers extensive educational programming including field trips, portable museum rentals for schools, and scholarships for qualifying students. With over 6.5 million items in its collection, MOHAI welcomes contributions of artifacts, photographs, and oral histories documenting the region's remarkable transformation.
Explore Washington's Historical Landscape
Use the When It Was app to discover historical businesses, landmarks, and buildings throughout Washington. See how your community has transformed over the decades.
Explore When It Was →