The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is a history museum housed in the historic Naval Reserve Armory building at the southern end of Lake Union Park, in the South Lake Union neighbourhood of Seattle, Washington. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Last updated: June 2026.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109 |
| Opening hours | Daily, 10:00am–5:00pm |
| First Thursday hours | 5:00pm–8:00pm (free admission to permanent exhibits) |
| Entry price | Adults $25 · Seniors (65+) $20 · Military $20 · Students $19 · Youth (14 and under) Free · Members Free |
| Nearest transit | South Lake Union Streetcar; multiple King County Metro bus routes |
| Parking | Paid public lot at Valley Street and Terry Avenue N; ADA lot adjacent to museum |
| Typical visit length | 2–3 hours |
MOHAI opening hours
MOHAI is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm, year-round. On the first Thursday of each month, the museum offers free admission to permanent exhibits from 5:00pm to 8:00pm (special exhibits are not included in this free period).
Reduced hours apply on some dates — for example, the museum closed at 3:00pm on 22 April 2026. Check the official website before visiting if your plans are time-sensitive, as unannounced schedule changes do occur.
Five of the best things to do in Seattle
- 🍴 Take a chef-guided food tour of Pike Place Market.
- 🕳️ Discover the hidden streets beneath Pioneer Square on an underground tour.
- ✈️ Go on the Boeing Factory tour and see how planes are made.
- 🚢 See the city from the water on a harbour cruise.
- 🏔️ Take in mountains and waterfalls on a Mt Rainier National Park day trip.
MOHAI ticket prices
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Members | Free |
| Adults | $25 |
| Seniors (65+) | $20 |
| Military | $20 |
| Students | $19 |
| Youth (14 and under) | Free |
| Groups (10 or more) | Reservations required |
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door on the day. Walk-up visitors are always welcome. Tickets are valid for the entire day and re-entry is permitted with your receipt. Admission includes access to all special exhibits, except during First Thursday free hours (5:00pm–8:00pm), when only permanent exhibits are included.
MOHAI is not included in the Seattle CityPASS. The CityPASS covers the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, and a choice of three other attractions (Chihuly Garden and Glass, Argosy Cruises, MoPOP, Woodland Park Zoo, or Pacific Science Center).
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official MOHAI website and last updated in June 2026.
Why book a Seattle CityPASS?
- 🗼 Space Needle included: Enjoy timed entry to Seattle’s most recognisable landmark, with panoramic views over Elliott Bay and Mount Rainier on clear days.
- 🐠 Seattle Aquarium admission: Get up close to local marine life, including sea otters, harbour seals and colourful tide-pool species.
- 🎨 Choose three more attractions: Pick from favourites such as Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture, Argosy Cruises harbour tour, Woodland Park Zoo or Pacific Science Center.
- 📱 Mobile pass with flexible sightseeing: Your CityPASS is delivered digitally and stays valid for nine consecutive days once activated.
- 💰 Save on entry fees: Bundled pricing offers significant savings compared with buying tickets separately, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
Community and discount access
- Free First Thursday: Free admission to permanent exhibits 5:00pm–8:00pm on the first Thursday of each month.
- MOHAI Access Pass: Free admission, available daily in limited quantities to anyone who needs it. Reserve in advance by contacting Visitor Services (206 324 1126).
- Seattle Public Library and King County Library passes: Free admission for 2 adults; two passes issued per museum system per day.
- EBT cardholders: Discounted admission available through community access programmes — contact the museum for details.
- Blue Star Museums: Free admission for active US military and up to five family members. The 2026 programme runs from 16 May to 7 September 2026.
- Caregiver admission: Caregivers assisting visitors with disabilities receive free admission.
How to get to MOHAI
By public transit: MOHAI is served by the South Lake Union Streetcar, which connects to Westlake Center in downtown Seattle. Several King County Metro bus routes also stop nearby. Use the King County Metro trip planner for current routes and timetables.
By car: From I-5 or State Route 99, take the Mercer Street exit and follow signs towards South Lake Union. MOHAI is at the intersection of Valley Street and Terry Avenue N.
By bike: Bike racks are located south of the museum parking lot. MOHAI sits alongside the Lake Union Loop, a 6.4-mile cycling path around the lake.
On foot: MOHAI is approximately 1.5 miles from the Pike Place Market area and 1 mile from Seattle Center, making it walkable from much of central Seattle.
Parking at MOHAI
ADA parking is available in the lot directly adjacent to the museum. Use the callbox at the gate near the Center for Wooden Boats to request access during museum hours.
Non-ADA public parking is in the paid city lot at the south end of Lake Union Park, at Valley Street and Terry Avenue N. This lot requires back-in parking. Additional paid lots run along Westlake Avenue on the western edge of the lake, accessible via the footbridge over the lagoon.
Bus drop-off should use the Seattle City Parking Lot on Valley Street, adjacent to the Streetcar stop. Vehicles over 25 feet are not permitted in the lot adjacent to the museum; the closest designated bus parking is at Seattle Center.
How long to spend at MOHAI
Allow 2 to 3 hours for a thorough visit covering the permanent galleries, at least one temporary exhibit, and a stop at the Idea Lab. Visitors who want to spend time in the research library or attend a programme event may want to allow longer.
The museum’s three main floors include permanent collections, rotating temporary exhibits, and dedicated children’s spaces. The layout is straightforward, and a downloadable map and gallery guide is available on the official website and as an audio tour.
Accessibility at MOHAI
MOHAI is fully ADA accessible throughout the building. Lifts provide access to all floors. Wheelchairs and walkers are available to borrow at the Admissions desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
Restrooms: Fully accessible multi-stall restrooms (with changing tables) are on the first floor. All-gender single-stall restrooms are on the second floor. The Gourmondo café has additional single-stall all-gender restrooms.
Autism resources: A downloadable MOHAI Autism Resources Guide with sensory map is available on the official website (also in Spanish).
Assistive listening devices and neck loops are available for public programmes and events — contact the Public Programs Department to reserve in advance.
Service animals are welcome. Pets are not permitted.
Visitor information sheets are available in nine languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Arabic, Somali, Vietnamese, Russian, Amharic, and English — downloadable from the official website.
What to see at MOHAI
True Northwest: The Seattle Journey (permanent)
This is the museum’s core permanent gallery, tracing Seattle’s history from its Indigenous origins to the present day. Key topics include the 1889 Great Seattle Fire, the growth of the logging and fishing industries, the role of Boeing and the aerospace industry, and the emergence of Seattle as a centre of technology and innovation. A 7-minute cinema presentation on the Great Seattle Fire runs regularly within the gallery.
The Grand Atrium at the centre of the museum contains a towering interactive installation of Seattle memorabilia, including the iconic Rainier Brewery neon ‘R’ sign. A 54-foot Wawona sculpture, made from timber salvaged from an 1897 schooner, spans the atrium.
Bezos Center for Innovation (permanent)
This gallery explores Seattle’s regional tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship, covering companies including Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks. Interactive displays trace how the Pacific Northwest became a global centre for technology.
Maritime Seattle (permanent)
Located on the fourth floor with views over Lake Union, this gallery covers Seattle’s relationship with the water — from the historic mosquito fleet to modern maritime industry. A WWII-era submarine periscope is among the hands-on exhibits.
Kid-Struction Zone (permanent)
A dedicated space on the third floor for children aged 2–7 and their caregivers, with hands-on construction and exploration activities. Stroller parking is available. All youth 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Idea Lab (Grand Atrium)
A hands-on activity space in the Grand Atrium, with rotating programmes for visitors of all ages. Free Discovery Packs (in English and Spanish) are available to borrow at the Admissions desk to help children and adults explore the museum together.
Current temporary exhibits (as of June 2026)
- TADAIMA: I’m Home — on view through 12 July 2026
- Reframing Seattle’s Southeast Asian Histories — opens 16 May 2026
- The Beautiful Game: How Soccer Connects Us All — opens 23 May 2026
- For Which it Stands: The Many Threads of the American Flag — opens 3 July 2026
- Freedom Plane National Tour: Documents That Forged a Nation — opens 30 July 2026 (separate ticketing; check the official website)
Check the official MOHAI exhibits page for the most current listing before your visit.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Book First Thursday for free admission | The first Thursday of each month offers free entry to all permanent exhibits from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Special exhibits are not included. No booking required. |
| Tickets are valid all day | Re-entry is permitted with your purchase receipt, so you can step out for lunch at the lakefront and return without buying a new ticket. |
| Food and drink rules | The Gourmondo café on site is open daily. Outside food may be consumed in the Microsoft Lakefront Pavilion on the first floor only. Food and drink (including water bottles) are not allowed in gallery spaces. |
| Children’s timing | The Kid-Struction Zone and Idea Lab can be popular with families on weekends and school holidays. Visiting on a weekday morning generally means quieter conditions. |
| Photography | Photography without flash is permitted for personal non-commercial use throughout the museum. Tripods require prior approval from the Marketing Department. |
Frequently asked questions about MOHAI
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is MOHAI suitable for children? | Yes. Youth 14 and under enter free. The Kid-Struction Zone (ages 2–7) and Idea Lab offer hands-on activities. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for MOHAI? | No. Walk-up tickets are available at the door. Online purchase is encouraged but not required. Groups of 10 or more must make a reservation in advance. |
| Is MOHAI open on Sundays? | Yes, daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. |
| Is MOHAI wheelchair accessible? | Yes, fully ADA accessible. Lifts serve all floors. Wheelchairs are available to borrow at the Admissions desk. |
| Can you visit MOHAI for free? | Yes. First Thursday evenings (5:00–8:00pm) offer free access to permanent exhibits. The MOHAI Access Pass provides free admission on any day in limited quantities — contact Visitor Services to reserve. Library cardholders and EBT cardholders also have access to free or discounted admission. |
Things to do near MOHAI
- Lake Union Park (adjacent) — A free public park immediately surrounding the museum, with grassy areas, a splash pad (summer), a boat pond, and views of seaplanes taking off and landing on Lake Union. Walkable from the museum’s front door.
- Center for Wooden Boats (adjacent) — A working maritime museum on the waterfront next to MOHAI where visitors can rent traditional wooden rowboats and sailboats. Free public sailing is offered on Sunday mornings.
- Chihuly Garden and Glass (1 mile, Seattle Center) — An indoor and outdoor exhibition of Dale Chihuly’s large-scale glass sculptures, adjacent to the Space Needle. Admission charged; included as a CityPASS option.
- Space Needle (1 mile, Seattle Center) — Seattle’s landmark observation tower, with 360-degree city and water views from 520 feet. Admission charged.
- Museum of Pop Culture / MoPOP (1 mile, Seattle Center) — A museum dedicated to popular culture, music, science fiction, and video gaming, designed by Frank Gehry. Admission charged; included as a CityPASS option.
What to visit tomorrow: similar history and industry museums within two hours
- Museum of Flight, Seattle (~15 minutes south) — A large aviation museum at Boeing Field covering the full history of flight, with over 175 aircraft on display. Free admission on the first Thursday of each month from 5:00pm.
- LeMay – America’s Car Museum, Tacoma (~45 minutes) — One of the largest automobile museums in the world, with over 350 vehicles spanning a century of American car history.
- Washington State History Museum, Tacoma (~45 minutes) — The state’s main history museum, covering Washington’s Indigenous peoples, settlement, and industrial history, adjacent to Union Station.
- Nordic Museum, Seattle (~15 minutes north) — A museum in the Ballard neighbourhood dedicated to the history and culture of Scandinavian Americans and their contribution to the Pacific Northwest.
- Burke Museum, Seattle (~15 minutes north, University District) — Washington State’s natural history and cultural museum, housing Pacific Northwest Indigenous art collections and natural history specimens including dinosaur fossils.
More Seattle travel guides
Other Seattle travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to visiting the Seattle Aquarium.
- A practical guide to visiting the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle.
- Watch the salmon run at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks.
- How to get the best view of Seattle from Kerry Park.
- How to see the Fremont Troll in Seattle.
