MOHAI: The Story of Seattle in One Museum

Some places leave an impression long after a visit, even if it was just once. The Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) is one of those places. Sitting right by Lake Union, it’s a familiar stop for locals and tourists alike—people come for the history, the innovation, or sometimes just to escape the rain for a while. The building itself feels like a time capsule, filled with everything that shaped Seattle into what it is today.

Inside, the exhibits explore Seattle’s transformation—from logging and shipbuilding to Boeing’s first planes and the coffee culture that took over the world. The museum doesn’t just list facts; it pulls visitors into the stories. There’s a full-size Boeing B-1 seaplane hanging from the ceiling, the first Starbucks sign from Pike Place Market, and interactive displays about the industries that still drive Seattle today.

One of the most popular stops is the Great Seattle Fire exhibit. The 1889 fire destroyed most of downtown, but it also led to a complete rebuild—stronger, more organized, and ready for what came next. That’s the thing about this city: it doesn’t stop moving forward.

MOHAI isn’t just about history; it’s about innovation. The Seattle Inventions Gallery highlights some of the ideas born here—think Microsoft, Amazon, and countless startups. It’s a reminder that the city has always been a place where big ideas take shape.

For anyone heading there, the location is easy to find, but parking? Not so much. It’s one of those places where a car service just makes sense. With Astra Limousine, there’s no circling the block or dealing with crowded lots—just a smooth ride, a quick drop-off, and time to enjoy the museum without distractions.