MOHAI Seattle

MOHAI Seattle, or the Museum of History and Industry, is one of the many museums in the city that’s worth adding to your list of things to do. It can be hard to choose among the wide range on offer—should you spent a few hours gazing at photography and paintings at the Henry Gallery, or learn about sixties rockers at the Experience Music Project? They’re all fine choices, but for unique exhibits and a specific focus on local culture, visit MOHAI. This museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the unique history of Seattle and the Puget Sound Region.

A staggering amount of historical artifacts are on display at MOHAI Seattle—totaling nearly 4 million in the entire collection. No matter what you’re interested in, there is an exhibition that will stand out to you at this museum. From a 1922 Ford Motel T and Boeing 747 model to an exhibition featuring printmaker and children’s book illustrator Richard Bennett, this museum is full of fascinating exhibits.

While the featured exhibits provide a fresh element to the museum, don’t miss out on the permanent collection either. Essential Seattle is an exhibition that will show you how the modern city took shape through artifacts, films, and images. Another thrilling exhibit features photographs of outdoor recreation in Western Washington—you might have a new appreciation for outdoor enthusiasts after seeing this exhibit.

The Museum of History and Industry is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, and until 8 pm on the first Thursday of the month. Discount tickets are available for children, and the first Thursday of each month is also a free admission day. MOHAI is closed on major holidays, however, so check ahead if your Seattle vacation coincides with a holiday weekend. Located in the Montlake neighborhood, this museum is also close to the U District and the shores of Lake Washington.