HomeExhibitsTrue Northwest: The Seattle Journey

True Northwest: The Seattle Journey

Delve into Puget Sound’s history from the 1790s to today in an award-winning exhibit that combines artifacts, images, hands-on activities, and multimedia presentations. Discover how the dramatic environment, diverse population, connections to the broader world, and inventive spirit have shaped its history.

True Northwest: The Seattle Journey traverses through the real Seattle journey, from an age when Native American cultures first came into contact with Europeans, to the growth of a mill town and seaport, and the region’s transformation into a major global hub. Find out how the city rebuilt after a devastating fire, made a fortune in a legendary gold rush, reshaped its natural setting, boomed during two World Wars and two World’s Fairs, and challenged the status quo in the 20th century. See artifacts from innovators who had a major impact on the world, and hear first-person stories from the men and women who shaped the region. True Northwest: The Seattle Journey offers engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

True Northwest: The Seattle Journey has been honored by the American Alliance of Museums with awards for outstanding interactive experiences and multimedia installations, and has been recognized by the Washington Museum Association with the Award of Excellence.

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Exhibit Details

Location

MOHAI

Cost

Included with Admission

Recommended Audiences

Adults
Educators
Kids

Accessibility

Automated Facility Entry
Elevator Available

A railway display at MOHAI showcasing railroad track and a

An exhibit at MOHAI showing various artifacts from Seattle grunge era bands including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Screaming Trees, and Mudhoney.

A Seattle sports display at MOHAI showing the jerseys of Edgar Martinez (#11) and Fredy Montero (#17) along with pennants, a basketball, a soccer ball and basketball shoes.

The Great Seattle Fire theater exhibit at MOHAI.

A Boeing display at MOHAI showing a variety of airplane models.

Engines of Industry

Seattle became the gateway to the Pacific Rim with the 1893 arrival of the Great Northern transcontinental line. Along with its admission into official statehood, the railroad initiated an influx of newcomers to the new city with vital pathways for Washington's extractive resource industries and their distant markets.

The Seattle Sound

In 1992 when Seattle's own Nirvana reached #1 on the Billboard charts, the world's ears turned to Seattle. Grunge-mania, it's music and fashion took over, as local bands like Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, and Mudhoney took the center stage. "Within nine months of its September 1991 release, Nevermind had sold 4 million copies. Major labels had been scoping out Seattle bands for a few years. When Nirvana brought alternative music into the multi-platinum mainstream, the majors looked harder, looked wider, and offered more money for bands to sign on the dotted line," explained Sub Pop Records Co-founder, Jonathan Poneman.

Sports in the Northwest

MOHAI celebrates Seattle's international sports history with the jerseys of Edgar Martinez (#11) and Fredy Montero (#17) along with pennants, a Storm basketball, a Reign soccer ball.

Don't Blame the Glue

On June 6, 1889, a fire ignited by an overturned glue pot at a cabinet shop raged through downtown Seattle, completely destroying all structures in its path-but miraculously no one was hurt. Did that discourage Seattleites? No! The Great Seattle Fire cleared the way for construction of a new city with a professional fire department, a forward-looking building code and modern infrastructure.

Jet City

Boeing is a driving force among Seattle's industries. The aerospace giant has deep roots here, from the first flight of a Boeing plane in 1916 to the market dominance of the 787 in 2012.

Explore the Exhibit

Sat 30

Saturday May 30, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Drawing From History: Ripples of Time

Explore past, present, and future of the Lake Union Watershed by creating quick layered gesture drawings in charcoal, based off photos and ephemera from MOHAI's collections.
Fri 12

Friday June 12, 2026 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Unpaving SODO Walking Tour

Join Invisible Histories on a 1-mile immersive guided walking tour of the cityscape you pass daily but never truly see. Storytelling, history and theatrical elements will enliven these spaces known as SODO.

Interior of MOHAI Grand Atrium showing Boeing B-1 and the Rainier

Plan a Visit to MOHAI

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 your visit today by reviewing ticketing options, location and parking details, and helpful visitor tips.

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