Spend a Couple of Hours at the MOHAI

The Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) recently opened at its new location on South Lake Union. The building is a former naval armory building used after WWII for training and is a perfect backdrop to display the relics and stories of Seattle's history.

In the atrium are soaring ceilings housing a Boeing seaplane, the pink "Toe" Truck, an art display made of an old ship hull (I thought it was a rock climbing wall), a sound record breaking hydroplane, Rainier Brewing Company's "R" sign and a host of interactive exhibits. 

Head upstairs and experience life as the early Native Americans lived in the Puget Sound. Then move through different rooms to see stories and special segments in time from Seattle's past. Watch a film on the Seattle fire, see how civilians helped out during war time, and observe the suburban sprawl settlements. View scenes from the World's Fair, learn how the civil rights movement was fostered, glimpse the Seattle Supersonic's championship trophy, and witness how Microsoft was conceived and developed. For more information, you can use your cell phone for an audio tour of select displays.

One of the temporary exhibits located in the Walker Gallery, Celluloid Seattle: A City at the Movies, shows the city's starring and cameo roles in film and television. Did you know Elvis filmed a movie in Seattle?! The exhibit also describes how the concept of "going to the movies" has evolved in Seattle. With more interactive exhibits and memorabilia from memorable shows, this was my favorite exhibit!

The third floor houses another temporary exhibit of poems created by local students of all ages.

Resembling a ship's bridge, the fourth floor offers 360 degree views of the city with a periscope and displays photos and relics representing Seattle's rich maritime history.

After you explore the entire museum, head outside and walk along the lake and take a tour of one of the docked ships or sail a model boat on the nearby pond.

The first Thursday of every month is free, otherwise the prices are adults: $14, seniors, students and military: $12, children 14 and under are free.

Hours: Open daily from 10am to 5pm 
Thursdays open 10am to 8pm