Photo: Daniel Sheehan
Visit MOHAI
We can’t wait to see you! Advanced timed tickets are recommended.
Click here to learn more about what’s new when you visit the museum.
Rediscover history and get immersed in the lives and stories that made the Pacific Northwest the unique place it is today.
MOHAI tells Seattle’s story through exhibits and interactives. True Northwest: The Seattle Journey examines the trials and successes of Seattle’s colorful, sometimes bumpy trek from wilderness to world city. The Bezos Center for Innovation investigates Seattle’s role as a nexus of big ideas and new directions.
MOHAI is respected nationally and treasured locally as a dynamic, innovative museum where historical exploration inspires people to create a better future for themselves and their communities.
Plan a Visit
In close collaboration with peer institutions and following recommendations of Washington State health and safety officials, we’ve made some changes to how you visit MOHAI. Click here to learn more about what’s new when you visit the museum.
Timed tickets are encouraged for all visitors.
Hours
Daily: 10 am–5 pm
Closed: November 24, December 25
Advanced timed tickets are recommended.
Click here to learn more about what’s new when you visit the museum.
Location
Admission
Contact
Visitor Services: information@mohai.org
Phone: 206 324 1126
Contact
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Directions and Parking
Here’s how to get to MOHAI by car, public transit, bike, or even by boat.
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By Car
From I-5
Take Exit 167 at Mercer St. Take an immediate right onto Fairview Ave. N. Turn left onto Valley St. and then turn right into Lake Union Park.
From Downtown
Follow 4th Ave. N. Take a right at Virginia St. Take a left at Westlake Ave. N and proceed north for about 1 mile. Turn right onto Valley St. and then left into Lake Union Park.
Public Parking
Special $10 all-day rate when museum visitors park at the AGC lot, located at 1200 Westlake Ave N. Get your discounted rate ticket at the admissions desk.
There are also several private and city-owned parking lots nearby MOHAI. See the map below for parking suggestions.
Accessible parking and drop-off for visitors with special needs is available at the museum. View Accessibility below for additional information
By Public Transit
Public transportation is a great and easy way to get to MOHAI.
Public Bus
Route 40: Westlake Ave N & Mercer St Stop
RapidRide C: Westlake Ave N & Mercer St Stop
Route 70: Fairview Ave N & Valley St Stop (Northbound), Fairview Ave N & Aloha St Stop (Southbound)
Streetcar
The South Lake Union Streetcar runs every 15 minutes from Westlake Center Park in Downtown Seattle and drops off directly at Lake Union Park. View South Lake Union Streetcar schedule.
By Bike
Protected bike lanes line Westlake Ave N and offer a beautiful ride along Lake Union to MOHAI.
By Boat
Daily boat moorage is available on the north and east sides of the park. Contact the Center for Wooden Boats for rates and availability.
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Bus Drop-off and Parking
Buses should load and unload at the Seattle City Parking Lot on Valley St. (adjacent to the Streetcar stop, south of the Lake Union Park, and 600 feet from MOHAI).
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Directions to MOHAI
From I-5
Take Exit 167 at Mercer St. Take an immediate right onto Fairview Ave. N. Turn left onto Valley St. and then turn right into Lake Union Park. Turn left into the parking lot (before the gate) to drop passengers off. Exit the parking lot through the western driveway.
From Downtown
Follow 4th Ave. N. Take a right at Virginia St. Take a left at Westlake Ave. N and proceed north for about 1 mile. Turn right onto Valley St. and then left into Lake Union Park. Turn left into the parking lot (before the gate) to drop passengers off. Exit the parking lot through the western driveway.
Bus Parking
The closest designated bus parking area is at the Seattle Center. See Seattle Center’s bus parking information for details.
Directions to Seattle Center Bus Parking
Go south on Terry Ave. and turn right onto Mercer St. Follow Mercer St. and merge onto Broad St.; go under SR-99. Turn left on 5th Ave. Go two blocks and turn left at Republican St. Designated curb parking is labeled around the corner on 4th Ave.
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Accessibility
MOHAI is committed to accessibility for all visitors. Here are accessibility considerations when visiting MOHAI.
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Accessible Parking
Accessible parking and drop-off for visitors with special needs is available at the museum. For access, pull up to the gate at the Valley St. entrance to Lake Union Park and follow the instructions located on the call box. Please note, vehicles longer than 25 feet are not allowed past the gate and should unload in the Lake Union Park South Lot.
Accessible Restrooms
Accessible restrooms are available on the first and second floors.
Assistive Listening Devices
MOHAI has a limited number of FM system and neck loop assistive listening devices available for public programs and events in the Faye G. Allen Grand Atrium, Microsoft Lakefront Pavilion, and Norcliffe Foundation Conference Rooms. They are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. A driver’s license or membership card is required to check them out. Please contact the Public Programs Department to reserve an assistive listening device.
Wheelchair Information
MOHAI is wheelchair and electric mobility device accessible and has an elevator to all galleries.
Two manual wheelchairs and two walkers are available to check out at the Admission Desk. They are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. A driver’s license or membership card is required to check them out.
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Hotel Partners
Visiting from out of town? Stay with one of the MOHAI hotel partners, each nearby the museum and Lake Union Park.
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Hotel Theodore
Located in downtown Seattle just steps from the South Lake Union Streetcar, Hotel Theodore exudes a sense of craftsmanship through a unique, refined, and upscale experience that is also comfortable and practical – like Seattle itself.
Mayflower Park Hotel
The Mayflower Park Hotel is in the heart of downtown Seattle. Built in 1927, the classic Mayflower Park Hotel has been lovingly restored creating an inviting European elegance to this historic hotel.
Residence Inn Seattle Downtown/Lake Union
Located down just a few blocks from MOHAI, the Residence Inn is one of the premier extended-stay hotels in downtown Seattle. Accommodations include free wifi, a pool, fitness center, and complimentary hot breakfast.
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Visitor Tips
Here are some tips for having a great visit to MOHAI.
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Re-entry
Same day re-entry to the museum allowed with receipt of admissions purchase.
Food and Drink
MOHAI is thrilled to announce the reopening of our cafe: Gourmondo at MOHAI! A long-time catering partner of the museum, Gourmondo has more than twenty years of experience in Seattle and focuses on fresh, flavorful meals made from locally-sourced ingredients. Please join us for coffee and pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches, beer, wine, and even ice cream. MOHAI members save 10%!
You may bring and eat your own food in the Microsoft Lakefront Pavilion on the first floor. Food and drink are not allowed in the rest of the museum, but you are welcome to reserve a locker during your visit to store your items while you explore the gallery spaces.
Restrooms
MOHAI offers multi-stall men’s and women’s restrooms on the first floor, which are both equipped with changing tables. There are also 2 single-stall, all-gender restrooms on the second floor.
Photography
Photography for personal, non-commercial purposes is allowed at MOHAI. Please refrain from using a flash as it can potentially damage artifacts. Tripods and other equipment that can impede visitor movement through the galleries are not allowed.
Be sure to share pictures by tagging MOHAI and using #MOHAI!
Commercial photography is allowed on a case by case basis. Contact the Marketing Department at marketing@mohai.org for additional information.
Leave at Home
To ensure that everyone’s visit is fun and enjoyable, MOHAI requests that you leave large bags, non-service animals, and firearms at home when visiting the museum. If you have any questions regarding these policies, please contact us.
Lockers and Personal Item Storage
Lockers are available for secure storage of personal items and are sanitized between uses. Locker keys may be checked out at the Admission Desk in exchange for a driver’s license or membership card. Visitors may carry small bags and backpacks into the galleries; however, please inquire about locked storage for larger items.
Coat Check
Coat check is unavailable at this time.
Strollers
Stroller parking is available on the first floor of the museum. Ask staff at the Admission Desk for directions to that area.
Lost and Found
The lost and found is located at the Admission Desk. Call 206 324 1126 for questions related to lost items after a visit. Items are held for two weeks.
Wifi
MOHAI is happy to offer free wifi to all patrons. Connect to the MOHAI Public network and accept the terms and conditions to get access to wifi.
Audio Guides
Audio guides are available, and can be accessed via cell phone. Ask staff at the Admission Desk for details about specific, thematic tours.
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Community Access
MOHAI believes history is for everyone and is committed to providing admission opportunities to those who may experience barriers to entry. We have several options listed below. An advanced timed ticket reservation is recommended for all visitors, including those using a discount, coupon, or free admission program.
To reserve your ticket online for your preferred day and time, select the “Free/Reduced-Price Admission or Pay on Arrival” option to reserve your ticket, and let Visitor Services staff know about your discount, coupon, or pass upon your arrival.
MOHAI is a nonprofit institution. To support MOHAI’s work and help us provide accessible opportunities for our community, consider making a donation.
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We are committed to access by participating in the following programs that offer free or reduced-price admission:
First Thursday
MOHAI participates in Seattle’s Free First Thursday with free admission from 5 pm–8 pm on the first Thursday of each month. Special exhibits may still require an admission fee. Reserve your ticket for the upcoming First Thursday evening here.
MOHAI Access Pass
MOHAI offers accessible admission options every day. A number of MOHAI Access Passes are available each day to anyone who needs them for any reason. Reserve your Access Pass by calling Visitor Services at 206 324 1126 x 110, emailing information@mohai.org, or notifying Visitor Services staff upon your arrival.
Museums For All
MOHAI participates in the nationwide Museums For All program, an initiative that encourages families of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly. Visitors may present an EBT card, WIC, or Foster Family credentials to receive free admission for up to four people.
Teen Tix
Teens aged 15–19 can present their Teen Tix credentials for a $5 admission ticket to MOHAI. Sign up for the free Teen Tix program here.
Open Doors Program
MOHAI’s Open Doors program offers free admission to historically excluded communities and aims to reduce barriers to MOHAI exhibits. Through this program, eligible community groups will receive free admission in support of a museum visit. To learn more or request free admission, visit the Open Doors program.
Café and Store
Events and Programs
See what events and ongoing programs are coming up at MOHAI. Learn about the history and culture of the Puget Sound region in new and interesting ways.
Photo: Barbie Hull
Private Events
Celebrate among Seattle’s culture and heritage. Private event and function spaces at MOHAI are full of charm and character while simultaneously providing the necessary amenities for any function.
MOHAI’s historic home at the Naval Reserve Building offers an event space like no other. Whether planning business meetings, intimate receptions, or elaborate galas, MOHAI can meet event rental needs all with a stunning backdrop.
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