MOHAI’s New Chocolate Exhibit Is a Sweet Experience

You already know the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) is the place to discover Seattle and to connect with our region and its rich history, but did you know it’s also where you can immerse yourself in the world of chocolate? That’s right! Chocolate: The Exhibition and its national tour, developed by The Field Museum of Chicago, is the latest exhibit to roll into Seattle and we’ve got the sweet details to help you plan your visit.

How the Journey Begins 
The visit begins with a little smell therapy — upon entry you will be immersed in the heavenly smell of chocolate that is pumped throughout the exhibit. Begin with the rainforest and the unique cacao tree, and a visit to the ancient Maya civilization from 1,500 years ago. Kids will get a kick out of seeing how a football-sized cacao pod and its slimy little seeds go through a series of processes that gradually transform it into the sweet, heavenly chocolate once referred to as “Food of the Gods.”

What to See (and Smell) Along the Way
Several touch screens and two large video screens will help keep the wee ones entertained, including a short film that highlights the fascinating chocolate making process. You will also find cool facts about chocolate throughout the exhibit to keep your littlest chocolate lovers engaged.

Dozens of fascinating artifacts that also help tell the story of chocolate, such as pre-Columbian ceramics and ritual objects; fancy European silver and porcelain chocolate services; antique chocolate powder tins; and chocolate molds from the 20th century — are all displayed to accommodate smaller kiddos’ vantage points.

Craving Chocolate? 
Likely everyone in your crew will leave the exhibit craving chocolate. Of course, MOHAI’s Gift Shop has a selection of locally made chocolates available for purchase, including the MOHAI and Theo Chocolate Bar — a brand new, handmade 70% dark chocolate crunch bar with puffed brown rice and quinoa. Psst! Save the wrapper. It’s redeemable for $1 off admission at MOHAI or a Theo Chocolate Factory Tour. Bars are available at the MOHAI Gift Shop and Theo Factory.

For Extra Sweetness
If your craving more in-depth chocolate activities, be sure to check MOHAI’s calendar and the list of programs and events below that will be running in conjunction with the Chocolate exhibit.

Chocolate Tastings
Dates: Every Sunday and select Saturdays, on the hour from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: $5 for general public, $3 for MOHAI members and children 14 and under

Chocolate Making Demonstrations with the Northwest Chocolate Festival
Dates: Every Saturday in September from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: Free with MOHAI admission

All-Ages Chocolate Making Classes with Dawn’s Candy and Cake
Dates: Saturdays, July 12 and September 13 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: MOHAI’s Microsoft Lakefront Pavilion
Cost: $5 per person, plus MOHAI admission

Chocolate Double-Feature Movie Night
Date: Saturday, August 23 at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Lake Union Park (pre-movie entertainment starts at 6 p.m.)
Films: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, rated G) at 8 p.m.; Chocolat (2000, rated PG-13) at 9:45 p.m.

860 Terry Avenue North
Seattle, Wa 98109
206-324-1126
Online: www.mohai.org
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursdays until 8 p.m.

Admission:
Adult – $17
Senior (62 and over) – $15
Students and military – $14
Children 14 and under – Free (must be accompanied by an adult)
MOHAI Members – Free
First Thursday of the Month – Free
Teens (13-19) – $5 with valid TeenTix pass.

Chocolate: The Exhibition runs through September 28, 2014.

Have you taken your crew to Chocolate: The Exhibition? Tell us about your experience in a comment below. 

–Myriam Gabriel-Pollock

Photos courtesy of Allison Sutcliffe