MOHAI

On a recent rainy Saturday afternoon (are there really any other types of winter Saturdays in Western Washington?) BowlingWidow and I decided to venture out to the new Seattle Museum of History and Industry (or MOHAI) just south of Lake Union.  We’d been to the MOHAI many years ago, in fact before Muffinheadedboy was born, at its original location near the University of Washington.  But it’s now in a much bigger building that recently became available for use.

An Old UPS Delivery Vehicle:  They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore

The museum exhibits touch on just about everything with a Seattle stamp on it.  Often times this is done with humor, as in the short film which chronicled The Great Seattle Fire of 1889.  I suppose they chose to go slapstick with this one because it was so long ago and nobody actually died in the fire.

There are pop culture references and artifacts galore, including the current Seattle in the Movies special exhibit that salutes the city’s many great appearances on film and television.  This includes TV shows such as Here Come the Brides and Twin Peaks as well as films like Sleepless in Seattle and Harry and the Hendersons.  Well, maybe Harry and the Hendersons doesn’t count as a great moment in cinema.  I think I’d just as soon forget that it was made.

J.P. Patches' Famous Coat

The 1979 Championship Trophy

The place is filled with things that range from early state railroad equipment to World’s Fair memorabilia to J.P. Patches’ coat to the Sonics’ 1979 NBA championship trophy to the grunge and current Seattle music scenes.  There’s even the giant “R” from the old Rainier Brewery hanging proudly in the main hall.

The Main Lobby and The Big R

It was a good way to spend three or four hours (you’ll want to allow at least that amount of time for a good visit) and was well worth the 15 bucks for a ticket.  Have fun…..and Keep Clam!