FAQ
Can I take photos in the museum?
Photos are allowed in the galleries but we ask that you please refrain from using flash, which can damage the artifacts. If you intend to use photos for commercial purposes, please contact our Director of Marketing and Communications, Jackie Durbin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 206.324.1126 ext. 120.
Are there places to eat near the museum?
Yes. MOHAI’s Compass Café within the museum offers sandwiches and other small plates along with coffee, beer, and wine during museum hours. There are also many restaurants throughout the South Lake Union neighborhood. Through March 2013 Daniel’s Broiler and Chandler’s Crabhouse offer a free appetizer or dessert with a MOHAI ticket stub. Tom Douglas’s [X] and [X] offer 20% off your bill with a MOHAI ticket stub.
Where can I park at MOHAI at Lake Union Park?
Through a special arrangement, Republic Parking Northwest and AGC offer MOHAI patrons discounted all-day parking in their lot adjacent to Lake Union Park at 1200 Westlake. Tickets can be validated at the admissions desk. There is also ample metered parking within Lake Union Park and on surrounding streets.
Can I donate an item to MOHAI?
MOHAI accepts artifact donations, based on historic and cultural significance, condition, and space requirements. To make a donation please fill out the Artifact Evaluation Form and a museum staff member will contact you shortly.
Is a gift or donation to MOHAI tax deductible?
MOHAI is a 501(c)3 under the sponsorship of the Historical Society of Seattle and King County. Donations to our Annual Fund are fully tax deductible and a portion of your membership may also be tax deductible, depending on the benefits. Please see Membership Levels & Benefits for more details. If you need a receipt, please contact Darby Riley at (206) 324-1126 Ext. 139
Can MOHAI help research and/or appraise my treasured item?
Yes. While the staff at MOHAI does not directly conduct outside research, the museum hosts numerous programs that provide tools and resources for personal research, including the Bring Your Artifact to MOHAI Day. Visit our calendar for more info on MOHAI programs and activities.
The staff at MOHAI does not conduct appraisals, nor do they recommend specific appraisers. If you wish to find an appraiser, you may go to the website for the American Society of Appraisers at www.appraisers.org.
Does MOHAI buy artifacts?
No. MOHAI only accepts donated items.
Can I access MOHAI’s collection of artifacts, photos, and archives?
Yes. The museum's Sophie Frye Bass Library preserves and provides access to over 3 million historic photographs, as well as manuscripts and archival holdings, maps, books, posters, motion pictures and printed ephemera. Our collections cover the Seattle metropolitan area, and certain subjects of the rest of Washington State and Alaska. Archival holdings include business and organization records, personal papers, photographers' collections, and historical research documents.
You can explore many of these items through our digitized photo archive and online research collections. Additional items can be viewed at the library, located at the MOHAI Resource Center (5933 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108). The library is open to the public by appointment from 1-4 pm Monday through Thursdays. To make an appointment email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 206-324-1126 ext. 137 or ext. 138.
Can I check things out from MOHAI’s collection?
The library is a research library, so nothing can be borrowed from its collection. However, we are happy to make photocopies, scans and photographic copies of some items. Please go to Order & Request Forms to review fair use and directions on ordering.