Photo: Daniel Sheehan
Visit MOHAI
We can’t wait to see you! Advanced timed tickets are required.
We have implemented new guidelines for the safety of our visitors and staff in alignment with recommendations from state, local, and federal officials. 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.
Remember that all visitors need a timed ticket—even for complimentary admission.
Hours
Thursday–Monday, 10 am–5 pm
First Thursday of the month, 10 am–8 pm
Advanced timed tickets are required.
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
The MOHAI Café is currently closed. Pre-packaged snacks, bottled beverages, and sandwiches and salads made by Gourmondo, are available for purchase from the MOHAI Mercantile. 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 required for all visitors, including those using a discount, coupon, or free admission program.
Please 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. Timed ticket requirements and public health capacity limits apply to free hours. 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.
Library Passes
Admission passes to MOHAI can be checked out for free through the Seattle Public Library Museum Pass program.
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.
What’s New at MOHAI
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What’s New For MOHAI Members
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MOHAI Members Are Always Welcome
MOHAI members receive their complimentary admission benefit on every visit. This applies to the member and/or any additional named members on the membership account. To reserve your timed ticket(s), you must sign-in using the button at the top left of the ticketing page to receive your membership benefit at check-out. If you do not yet have an account, you may create one using the Register button, also on the top left of the ticketing page. If you have questions about your membership account or login information, please email membership@mohai.org or call 206.324.1126 ext 194.
Use Your Guest Passes When Reserving Tickets Online
Select the “Free/Reduced-Price Admission or Pay on Arrival” option from the ticket page to use a guest pass. This will reserve the timed ticket under your name. For entry, you must bring and redeem the hard-copy guest pass to the museum. We ask that you complete the form, and present your guest pass at the front desk when you arrive at the museum at your entry time.
Join or Renew Your Membership at the Museum
Visit the admissions desk to become a member or renew your membership. If you plan to purchase or renew your membership in person at the time of your visit, select the “Free/Reduced-Price Admission or Pay on Arrival” option to reserve your time slot and purchase the membership when you arrive.
Membership Extensions
We are deeply grateful for the support of our members during the museum closure.
All memberships that expired between March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021 will receive an automatic grace period of six months for continued museum visits and member program tickets after reopening. During the grace period you may support MOHAI’s mission and renew your membership at any time for uninterrupted benefits.
All memberships that were renewed during the museum closure, through March 31, 2021, will automatically receive a membership extension for six months. Please consider making a gift in support of the museum during your membership extension if you are able.
Guest Pass Extensions
Guest passes are valid for one year. All guest passes held by active members that expired between March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021 will be extended through July 31, 2021. We are unable to replace lost guest passes.
Reciprocal and Special Memberships
Participating reciprocal and special membership programs still have access to the museum through timed ticketing. MOHAI participates in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) and Time Travelers programs. Chase Private Clients (CPC) are also welcome at the museum.
Please reserve your ticket in advance. To reserve advance tickets, select the “Free/Reduced-Price Admission or Pay on Arrival” option for the number of people that will be using this special rate. This reserves the time slot under your name for no cost. When you arrive to the museum at your selected time, please have your NARM, Time Travelers, or Chase CPC member cards ready to show the staff at the admissions desk.
Become a Member After Your Visit
You can apply a portion of your purchased tickets towards membership after your visit with your receipt. The admissions desk and membership staff can review membership options with you and help you join MOHAI as a member.
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Museum General FAQs
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Since youth are free, do I still need to get a ticket for them?
Yes. Youth admissions count towards our building occupancy. To reserve their entry time, please select the youth ticket option which is priced at $0.00.
How can I get a walk-up ticket?
Advance timed tickets are required. Walk-up visitors may be accommodated if spots are available, but we cannot guarantee entry without a reservation.
Where do I go when I arrive to the museum?
Queues for entry will be outside at the front doors of the museum overlooking the grass of Lake Union Park. Please follow social distancing protocols while queueing for entry.
Can I reserve my ticket over the phone?
We recommend purchasing directly through the website, but if you are having difficulties please call us at 206.324.1126.
Do I need to create an account to purchase or reserve tickets?
No. If you are not reserving tickets as a member, you do not need to create an account.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No, you may present your ticket barcode on your phone screen or on paper. Museum staff can also locate your ticket through the name of the purchaser.
I didn’t receive the ticket in my email.
Check your email spam filter or allow emails from the mohai.org domain. You can also email information@mohai.org and we can check the status of the ticket or re-send the email. If you believe the transaction went through properly, staff at the museum can also locate the tickets when you arrive.
Can I reschedule my timed ticket?
Yes. Please email information@mohai.org and we can help you select a new time for entry. If it is the day of your scheduled arrival, please call us at 206.324.1126 and dial 0 to speak to Visitor Services.
Someone else wanted to join my party but tickets are no longer available online. How can they get in?
Walk-up tickets cannot be guaranteed. To ensure your entry together, please email information@mohai.org and we can help you select a new time for entry. If it is the day of your scheduled arrival, please call us at 206.324.1126 and dial 0 to speak to Visitor Services.
What if I’m late?
Timed tickets are valid for the date and time purchased. If you miss your arrival window, we cannot guarantee entry at a later time, although we will do our best to accommodate you. If it is the day of your scheduled arrival and you know you are going to be late, please call us at 206.324.1126 and dial 0 to speak to Visitor Services. With advance notice we should be able to get you into a new slot with minimal wait time.
Is reduced-price admission available?
Yes. In addition to our regular admission rates, we take part in a number of programs that offer free or reduced-price admissions to the museum.
If you or someone in your party will be receiving free or reduced-price admission with a guest pass or through a program like the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) program, Chase Private Client (CPC) program, Teen-Tix, Museums for All, Seattle Public Libraries, etc., please reserve a ticket under “Free/Reduced-Price Admission or Pay on Arrival”. When you arrive at the museum, you will be asked to present your credentials, coupon, or guest pass in order to receive your free or reduced-price admission.
How do I reserve a timed ticket if I plan to use a coupon or pass for reduced-price admission?
Please select the “Free/Reduced-Price Admission or Pay on Arrival” option for the number of people that will be using this rate. This will reserve the time slot under your name. When you arrive at the museum please present your credentials or coupon for the applicable programs and the staff at the admissions desk will check you in at the reduced rate.
I’m not sure if this coupon or pass applies.
Please email information@mohai.org for questions about our reduced-price admission promotions. Additionally, you can select the “Free/Reduced-Price Admission or Pay on Arrival” option for the number of people that will be using this rate. This will reserve the time slot under your name for no cost at this time. When you arrive to the museum at your selected time you can ask the staff at the admissions staff about applicable reduced-price admission rates.
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Online Ticketing and Admissions FAQs
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Are timed tickets required?
Timed tickets are required to ensure your admission.
How long can I stay?
There is so much to see at MOHAI, we hope you will take the time to enjoy it all. We are monitoring capacity so that all visitors stay safe while at the museum. We have calculated your visit time with our overall capacity, noting that the length of individual visits will vary. We encourage safe social distancing to make visits enjoyable for all guests.
Will I have to wait in line?
Visitor entries into the museum are spaced to help disperse visitors through the gallery spaces. There may be a short wait as museum staff check-in and orient other visitors. Our entry queue is outdoors, so please plan ahead for the weather.
Since youth are free, do I still need to get a ticket for them?
Yes. Youth admissions count towards our building occupancy. To reserve their entry time, please select the youth ticket option which is priced at $0.00.
How can I get a walk-up ticket?
Advance timed tickets are required. Walk-up visitors may be accommodated if spots are available, but we cannot guarantee entry.
Where do I go when I arrive to the museum?
Queues for entry will be outside at the front doors of the museum overlooking the grass of Lake Union Park. Please follow social distancing protocols while queueing for entry.
Can I reserve my ticket over the phone?
We recommend purchasing directly through the website, but if you are having difficulties please call us at 206.324.1126.
Do I need to create an account to purchase or reserve tickets?
No. If you are not reserving tickets as a member, you do not need to create an account.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No, you may present your ticket barcode on your phone screen or on paper. Museum staff can also locate your ticket through the name of the purchaser.
I didn’t receive the ticket in my email.
Check your email spam filter or allow emails from the mohai.org domain. You can also email information@mohai.org and we can check the status of the ticket or re-send the email. If you believe the transaction went through properly, staff at the museum can also locate the tickets when you arrive.
Can I reschedule my timed ticket?
Yes. Please email information@mohai.org and we can help you select a new time for entry. If it is the day of your scheduled arrival, please call us at 206.324.1126 and dial 0 to speak to Visitor Services.
Someone else wanted to join my party but tickets are no longer available online. How can they get in?
Walk-up tickets cannot be guaranteed. To ensure your entry together, please email information@mohai.org and we can help you select a new time for entry. If it is the day of your scheduled arrival, please call us at 206.324.1126 and dial 0 to speak to Visitor Services.
What if I’m late?
Timed tickets are valid for the date and time purchased. If you miss your arrival window, we cannot guarantee entry at a later time, although we will do our best to accommodate you. If it is the day of your scheduled arrival and you know you are going to be late, please call us at 206.324.1126 and dial 0 to speak to Visitor Services. With advance notice we should be able to get you into a new slot with minimal wait time.
Can my ticket purchase be applied to a membership?
Yes, the staff at the admissions desk can walk you through the membership options and apply a portion of your pre-purchased tickets to the membership price.
Is reduced-price admission available?
Yes. In addition to our regular admission rates, we take part in a number of programs that offer free or reduced-price admissions to the museum.
If you or someone in your party will be receiving free or reduced-price admission with a guest pass or through a program like the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) program, Chase Private Client (CPC) program, Teen-Tix, Museums for All, Seattle Public Libraries, etc., please reserve a ticket under “Free/Reduced-Price Admission or Pay on Arrival”. When you arrive at the museum, you will be asked to present your credentials, coupon, or guest pass in order to receive your free or reduced-price admission.
How do I reserve a timed ticket if I plan to use a coupon or pass for reduced-price admission?
Please select the “Free/Reduced-Price Admission or Pay on Arrival” option for the number of people that will be using this rate. This will reserve the time slot under your name. When you arrive at the museum please present your credentials or coupon for the applicable programs and the staff at the admissions desk will check you in at the reduced rate.
I have a reciprocal museum membership. Do I get complimentary admission?
Yes. MOHAI offers complimentary admissions to members that have the NARM accreditation on their member card. We still recommend reserving your timed ticket. Select the “Free/Reduced-Price Admission or Pay on Arrival” option for the number of people that will be using this rate. This will reserve the time slot under your name for no cost. When you arrive at the museum at your selected time, please have your NARM member cards ready to show the staff at the admissions desk.
I’m not sure if this coupon or pass applies.
Please email information@mohai.org for questions about our reduced-price admission promotions. Additionally, you can select the “Free/Reduced-Price Admission or Pay on Arrival” option for the number of people that will be using this rate. This will reserve the time slot under your name for no cost at this time. When you arrive to the museum at your selected time you can ask the staff at the admissions staff about applicable reduced-price admission rates.
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New Health and Safety Measures
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Masks Are Required
All visitors over the age of 2 must wear a mask for museum entry. If you forgot your mask, limited masks are available onsite, and locally made masks are available to purchase in the MOHAI Mercantile. We ask visitors to follow the directed path through the exhibits and wear a mask while in the museum.
Capacity is Limited
The total of number of visitors allowed in the building will be limited and may change as directed by Washington State and King County officials. Entry of parties into the museum will also be spaced to help disperse visitors through the galleries.
Group Size is Now Limited
Group size is limited to parties of 5 people. We are unable to accommodate school groups and tour groups at this time.
Timed Tickets Must Be Reserved for Entry
Museum capacities will be limited, so we require that all visitors, including MOHAI members, reserve a time slot prior to arrival. Click here to reserve/purchase timed tickets now.
Timed tickets are required to ensure admission. A 40-minute window will be printed on tickets for entry. Visitor entries into the museum are spaced to promote safe social distancing through the gallery spaces. There may be a short wait as museum staff check-in and orient other visitors. Our entry queue is outdoors, so plan for the weather.
Social Distancing is Encouraged
Stand Up Seattle: The Democracy Project is now on view. All of our permanent exhibits are also open, including The Bezos Center for Innovation, True Northwest: The Seattle Journey, and Maritime Seattle. KidStruction Zone on the third floor is currently closed for visitor safety.
A one-way path and social distancing guidelines are posted to help visitors navigate through the museum and exhibits. Visitors are asked to stay separate from other groups and wait until smaller spaces are clear before entering. To make this easy, floor markers are now located throughout the galleries spaced six feet apart as a reminder of safe social distancing.
Museum interactives are updated to reduce the amount of contact required. Visitors are given styluses to use with the interactive exhibits. Our films are available to view, but seating is limited for each showing to promote social distancing.
Exhibits and Public Areas are Sanitized
Museum staff are sanitizing surfaces regularly for safety. Sanitized styluses will be provided to use with the interactive experiences. Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the museum.
MOHAI Café
The MOHAI Café is currently closed. Pre-packaged snacks and bottled beverages are available for purchase from the MOHAI Mercantile. You may bring and eat your own food in the Microsoft Lakefront Pavilion on the first floor at a safe social distance from other parties. Food and drink are not allowed in the rest of the museum, but visitors are welcome to reserve a locker during their visit to store items while exploring the gallery spaces.
MOHAI Mercantile
Visit the MOHAI Mercantile to shop a selection of items from local artists, as well as books, jewelry, and souvenirs. Locally made face masks and prepackaged snacks and beverages are also available.
Exploration and Innovation Backpacks
Youth activity backpacks are currently unavailable.
Coat Check and Lockers
Coat check is currently closed. Limited lockers are available to store items and will be sanitized between uses. Please reserve a locker at the museum admissions desk.
Protect Yourself and Others
If you or a member of your party are feeling ill or have been in contact with someone who has exhibited symptoms of COVID 19, please visit at a later date. If you have already purchased your timed tickets please contact us at information@mohai.org to reschedule or request a refund.
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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