Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), Seattle

Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), Seattle (must see)

The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) is situated in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood, serving as a renowned history museum. Established in 1952, MOHAI stands as the largest private heritage organization in Washington State, housing a vast collection of nearly 4 million artifacts, photographs, and archival materials. Its primary focus lies on Seattle and the broader Puget Sound region. A fraction of this extensive collection, approximately 2% at any given time, is exhibited within the museum's galleries located at the historic Naval Reserve Armory in Lake Union Park.

Among the notable highlights are significant items such as Boeing's inaugural commercial aircraft, the 1919 Boeing B-1, the Petticoat Flag sewn by women during the Battle of Seattle in 1856, and the Rainier Brewing Company's iconic 12-foot tall neon "R" sign. In addition to its permanent and temporary exhibits, MOHAI actively organizes youth and adult programs, fostering ongoing engagement with the community. Moreover, MOHAI regularly collaborates with various organizations within the South Lake Union neighborhood to host public events. By preserving and delving into the diverse cultural, social, and economic history of the Northwest, MOHAI strives to fulfill its mission.

Why You Should Visit:
Great place to spend 2-3 hours learning about Pacific NW history and see some quality Seattle memorabilia.
The setting of the museum is beautiful and it is a pleasure to walk around the area.

Tip:
Free for everyone every first Thursday of the month and free for kids always!
Start on the second floor and go right so you follow the timeline.
Don't miss the lake view from the windows on the 4th floor maritime gallery.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Seattle. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) on Map

Sight Name: Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)
Sight Location: Seattle, USA (See walking tours in Seattle)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Seattle, Washington

Create Your Own Walk in Seattle

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Creating your own self-guided walk in Seattle is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Belltown Neighborhood Walking Tour

Belltown Neighborhood Walking Tour

Belltown is one of Seattle’s most energetic neighborhoods, sitting between two of the city’s best-known landmarks—Space Needle and Pike Place Market—and stretching toward the waters of Elliott Bay and the wider Puget Sound. This lively district blends culture and counterculture, cosmopolitan dining and creative expression. For visitors exploring Seattle on foot, Belltown offers an inviting...  view more

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Seattle Introduction Walking Tour

Seattle Introduction Walking Tour

Overlooking Puget Sound's Elliott Bay on the West Coast of the United States, the port city of Seattle is renowned for its surrounding waters, mountains, evergreen forests, and thousands of acres of parkland. The largest metropolitan area in today's Washington State had been inhabited by Native Americans for at least 4,000 years prior to the European pioneers. The first European to set...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Seattle Center Walking Tour

Seattle Center Walking Tour

Seattle Center occupies a site with a layered history that predates its modern landmarks. Before becoming a cultural campus, the area just north of downtown Seattle was a mix of low-rise neighborhoods, industrial uses, and civic facilities. In the early 20th century, it was already associated with public life through venues such as the city’s original Civic Auditorium and nearby sports...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Fremont Neighborhood Walking Tour

Fremont Neighborhood Walking Tour

Fremont is a vibrant neighborhood in Seattle, renowned for its quirky and artistic character. Among other things, this famous district is home to some of Seattle's most beloved and controversial sculptures.

One of its most iconic landmarks is the Fremont Troll, a massive sculpture of a troll lurking underneath the Aurora Bridge.

At the height of its counterculture days, Fremont renamed...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Pioneer Square District Walking Tour

Pioneer Square District Walking Tour

Pioneer Square is the district where Seattle first took shape in the mid-19th century, and its streets still reflect the cycles of ambition, disaster, and renewal that defined the city’s early years. After rapid growth fueled by trade, railroads, and the Gold Rush, the neighborhood suffered decline before a determined preservation effort in the mid-20th century gave it a second life. Today,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Seattle Architecture Walking Tour

Seattle Architecture Walking Tour

In terms of towering skyscrapers abuzz with commerce, upscale shopping & dining, and splendid theaters, Downtown Seattle resembles many American cities. At the same time, it is also unexpectedly pleasant with hills, outdoor sculptures, and peek-a-boo views of Elliot Bay's sparkling water. Still, the diverse architectural landscape of the city is distinctive primarily for its landmark...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

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