MOHAI, the Museum of History & Industry, is at Lake Union Park in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood. Its galleries trace the city and Puget Sound region from Indigenous history to maritime industries and modern technology, using photographs, artifacts, films and hands-on displays. Look for Seattle’s first Boeing commercial plane, the towering Rainier “R” sign and the working World War II-era periscope. The former Naval Reserve Armory gives the museum a distinctive lakeside setting, with docks and outdoor spaces nearby for a stroll after your visit.
Seattle’s story across the galleries
MOHAI is in the former Naval Reserve Armory at Lake Union Park. Its collections focus on Seattle and the wider Puget Sound region, with historical material spanning photographs, clothing, household objects, maritime equipment, vehicles and early computers. The museum holds nearly four million artifacts, photographs and archival materials, though only part of the collection is displayed in the galleries.
The permanent exhibition True Northwest: The Seattle Journey follows the region’s history from Indigenous cultures to the present. Its timeline includes the Great Seattle Fire of 1889 and the 1962 World’s Fair, when the Space Needle was introduced. Displays connect Seattle’s development to its geography, cultural history and changing industries.
Innovation, water and industry
MOHAI’s galleries examine how technology and commerce shaped the region. The Bezos Center for Innovation looks at ideas developed in Seattle, while Maritime Seattle explores the city’s ties to the water. Among the objects on display are Boeing’s first commercial airplane and the large Rainier “R” sign. Planes suspended overhead and historic equipment help bring the city’s industrial history into view.
A working World War II-era Tang periscope gives visitors a view through a piece of naval history. Other exhibits use hands-on activities, films, historic photographs and interactive displays to tell the region’s story. Temporary exhibitions add different subjects to the museum’s program, so the displays can change over time.
A visit with children
The museum has activities for young visitors as well as adults. Its child-focused space includes building materials and toys, with a sitting area for a break. Interactive exhibits and a scavenger hunt give children ways to engage with local history, while wide walkways and a glass elevator help visitors move between floors. Walkers and wheelchairs are available to borrow inside.
After the galleries, head outside to the lakefront docks or a nearby playground. The museum’s location makes it easy to pair a history visit with time by the water. MOHAI also has a café, restrooms and a gift shop.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should I plan for MOHAI?
Allow two to three hours to explore the exhibits at a relaxed pace.
Is MOHAI suitable for children?
Yes. The museum has interactive displays, a scavenger hunt and a space with toys and building activities for young children.
Does MOHAI have parking?
Free museum parking is available, and paid parking lots are nearby. Parking availability can be limited.
Can I borrow a wheelchair at MOHAI?
Yes. Walkers and wheelchairs are available to borrow inside the museum.
