Museum of History & Industry

Museum of History & Industry

Museum of History & Industry
4.5
Speciality MuseumsHistory Museums
10:00 - 17:00
Monday
10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday
10:00 - 17:00
About
The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) is dedicated to enriching lives by preserving, sharing and teaching the diverse history of Seattle, the Puget Sound region and the nation.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
How to get there
  • Lake Union Park • 3 min walk
  • Fairview & Campus Drive • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • kris-goes-places
    295 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting and Enjoyable
    I honestly only popped in as a way to kill some time while waiting for my harbour air flight (the terminal is nearby). But it was quite lovely! I enjoyed the exhibit, especially the history of Seattle - really laid out well. The “industry” side felt a bit commercial, lots of propaganda for a couple rich dudes hahah - but it was really interesting to realize how much Seattle has contributed to mainstream culture and development. The building is lovely and is located is a great little marina which was pleasant to walk around (watch out for the geese). I don’t know if I would have sought it out if I were staying in downtown Seattle, but I’m glad I gave it a go!
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 11 April 2023
  • Trent Crimm
    35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must See History Museum
    This is one of my favorite Seattle attractions based on its location on Lake Union with a view across Gas Works Park plus the remarkable attention to detail provided on Seattle ‘s history. There is a section devoted to the chronological history of Seattle which is refreshingly candid in its discussion of the remarkably one-sided treaty the early Americans signed with the Indian tribes. There are several valuable items on exhibit, such as the Supersonics NBA championship trophy, and some of the early personal computers. There is also a section which collects ideas to improve Seattle which are written by guests on post-it notes. In addition to the exhibits on early settlement history, there are excellent exhibits on the gold rush, early lumber industry, bridge construction, plus the Ballard Locks. It seems there is a high level of giving from the Gates Foundation and Bezos that keeps the exhibits up to date.
    Visited June 2023
    Written 26 July 2023
  • Valleyblue
    Sacramento, California416 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Really enjoyed this museum
    This museum is well named. It provides an excellent and well-organized history of Seattle in an incredibly interesting style. The industry aspect of the history is nicely woven throughout the museum and then featured later on. Just like the industrial piece is woven through the history, the history of the industries are woven nicely. This is a great and fun museum. Be sure to look up to see the plane and hovercraft hanging from the ceiling.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 25 September 2023
  • Alice m
    73 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting and well set out
    Not that large a museum, just one main floor, but good for 1-2hours. A varied collection of exhibits on a pathway all the way around a central atrium. Good descriptions and interaction. The musical telling of the story of the great fire was a particular highlight.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 October 2023
  • Laura W
    Denver, Colorado41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wow!!!
    So underrated!!! I spent 3+ straight hours here. The maritime section is tiny. Which was actually good for me because I didn’t have much time left on my visit. I did not visit the kids area so I can’t speak to that. I looked at EVERYTHING on the first and second floor. Some exhibits were interactive which was neat. I wish I’d known there was an audio tour. I saw the QR codes too late. I wish it would’ve been included with the map. I do like that they offer a physical map. The gift shop is on par with other places. The ONLY thing I would change is the volume in the room about the Seattle fire. First that exhibit is weird. Basically a Disney type song about a fire. And it is SO loud. You don’t realize it until you’ve left the room and are all the way across the room trying to read something else and can’t concentrate because you can still hear the fire song. I even put in my noise cancelling earbuds and that didn’t help. Turn down the volume! But I really enjoyed my visit here.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 2 October 2023
  • Peggy S
    Grand Junction, Colorado151 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating and a must for those interested in Seattle history
    You can easily spend 2-3 hours in this museum. It is one of the most interesting museums I’ve ever visited and provides an interactive and in-depth understanding of how the Seattle of today came to be. As you travel through time there are many things about Seattle which will surprise you! I’ve been to many museums during my travels and this is one of the best.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles875 reviews
Excellent
540
Very good
259
Average
64
Poor
8
Terrible
4

Gred
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Solo
Weird, jingoistic vibes. The exhibits were too surface-level to engage with much. My favourite exhibits were a rowing boat and parts of the native plants exhibit
Written 9 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peggy S
Grand Junction, CO151 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
You can easily spend 2-3 hours in this museum. It is one of the most interesting museums I’ve ever visited and provides an interactive and in-depth understanding of how the Seattle of today came to be. As you travel through time there are many things about Seattle which will surprise you! I’ve been to many museums during my travels and this is one of the best.
Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Laura W
Denver, CO41 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
So underrated!!! I spent 3+ straight hours here. The maritime section is tiny. Which was actually good for me because I didn’t have much time left on my visit. I did not visit the kids area so I can’t speak to that. I looked at EVERYTHING on the first and second floor. Some exhibits were interactive which was neat. I wish I’d known there was an audio tour. I saw the QR codes too late. I wish it would’ve been included with the map. I do like that they offer a physical map. The gift shop is on par with other places. The ONLY thing I would change is the volume in the room about the Seattle fire. First that exhibit is weird. Basically a Disney type song about a fire. And it is SO loud. You don’t realize it until you’ve left the room and are all the way across the room trying to read something else and can’t concentrate because you can still hear the fire song. I even put in my noise cancelling earbuds and that didn’t help. Turn down the volume! But I really enjoyed my visit here.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alice m
73 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Not that large a museum, just one main floor, but good for 1-2hours. A varied collection of exhibits on a pathway all the way around a central atrium. Good descriptions and interaction. The musical telling of the story of the great fire was a particular highlight.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Valleyblue
Sacramento, CA416 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
This museum is well named. It provides an excellent and well-organized history of Seattle in an incredibly interesting style. The industry aspect of the history is nicely woven throughout the museum and then featured later on. Just like the industrial piece is woven through the history, the history of the industries are woven nicely. This is a great and fun museum. Be sure to look up to see the plane and hovercraft hanging from the ceiling.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Trent Crimm
35 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
This is one of my favorite Seattle attractions based on its location on Lake Union with a view across Gas Works Park plus the remarkable attention to detail provided on Seattle ‘s history. There is a section devoted to the chronological history of Seattle which is refreshingly candid in its discussion of the remarkably one-sided treaty the early Americans signed with the Indian tribes.

There are several valuable items on exhibit, such as the Supersonics NBA championship trophy, and some of the early personal computers. There is also a section which collects ideas to improve Seattle which are written by guests on post-it notes.

In addition to the exhibits on early settlement history, there are excellent exhibits on the gold rush, early lumber industry, bridge construction, plus the Ballard Locks.

It seems there is a high level of giving from the Gates Foundation and Bezos that keeps the exhibits up to date.
Written 26 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bubs678
Pine Bluff, AR10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Family
History of Seattle was interesting and visually appealing. Set in a beautiful location on the water. Glad we made time to visit!
Written 21 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tracey G
Halesowen, UK2,080 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
Visited here and was absolutely amazed. Only expecting to stay a short while we were here for HOURS. There was so much to see. The exhibition about the Seattle fire was super as was the story of the arrival of the train
It was great to see the history being told in such a way
Being from the UK with our fantastic history going back beyond the Romans it was great to see such more modern history
Written 3 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Deborah S
Elburn, IL56 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
Great place lots to see you can spend a couple hours here give you a good basis as to where Seattle us and where it is today
Written 2 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kris-goes-places
295 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Solo
I honestly only popped in as a way to kill some time while waiting for my harbour air flight (the terminal is nearby). But it was quite lovely! I enjoyed the exhibit, especially the history of Seattle - really laid out well. The “industry” side felt a bit commercial, lots of propaganda for a couple rich dudes hahah - but it was really interesting to realize how much Seattle has contributed to mainstream culture and development. The building is lovely and is located is a great little marina which was pleasant to walk around (watch out for the geese). I don’t know if I would have sought it out if I were staying in downtown Seattle, but I’m glad I gave it a go!
Written 12 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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MUSEUM OF HISTORY & INDUSTRY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Museum of History & Industry

Museum of History & Industry is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00