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Label:
Community and arts center
Multnomah Arts Center provides high-quality instruction and participation in the visual, performing, and literary arts to all interested persons.
About MAC & MACA
Multnomah Arts Center
The Multnomah Arts Center (MAC) provides excellent arts education in the visual, performing and literary arts at an affordable cost to students of all ages. We offer programs in music, dance, theatre, literary arts, drawing, painting, photography, woodshop, metal arts, mixed media, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, and more. Along with our vibrant arts education program, MAC hosts theatre, music & dance performances, gallery exhibitions, and other special events.
Multnomah Arts Center Association
The Multnomah Arts Center Association (MACA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which supports the vibrancy and health of the MAC. MACA's mission is to advocate for equity and access to arts education.
Sign up for The MAC Press Newsletter
Arts programming and signing up for activities
MAC offers Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) classes and activities in the visual, performing, and literary arts. Registered activities typically occur over a 5 or 10-week session. To participate in these activities, you must sign up and pay in advance.
View MAC's current arts classes and activities online, or use the links below to see our program offerings by department:
Performing and Literary Arts
- Youth Music
- Teen/Adult Music
- Private Music Lessons
- Youth Theatre Arts
- Teen/Adult Theatre Arts
- Youth Dance
- Teen/Adult Dance
- Literary Arts
Visual Arts
- Family Art Classes
- Youth Visual Arts
- Teen/Adult Mixed Media
- Teen/Adult Drawing & Painting
- Teen/Adult Printmaking & Book Arts
- Photography
- Jewelry/Metalsmithing
- Fiber Arts
- Wood Arts
- Teen/Adult Ceramics
Community engagement
How to register
Registration for PP&R's programs opens at 9:30 am on the follow dates:
- March 5 - for classes and activities that start March 30 - May 3
- April 9 - for classes and activities that start May 4 - June 7
- May 14 - for classes and activities that start June 22 - July 26
- June 11 - for classes and activities that start July 27 - August 26
The Recreation Activities Guild provides the most recent details on registration dates.
Registrations can be processed in a variety of ways:
- Online: View MAC's current classes online (search by age, art form, or keyword) and register through your PP&R account. We highly recommend utilizing this method!
- Phone: Call the Customer Service Center at 503-823-2525 or any PP&R community or arts center.
- In Person: Visit any community or arts center to process a registration in person.
Project Connect: Visit the Project Connect webpage to learn more about how PP&R provides different ways to bring the community and services together.
Access discount program - reduced pricing
Thanks to the Parks Local Option Levy, Portland residents can get a discount on program and activity fees. Use the discount for community center and pool admission, preschool and after-school programs, classes, camps, swim lessons, and more.
To get a discount, first register for the Access Discount Program, select a discount amount, and then use it for select activities. No proof of income is required. Discount is valid for 12 months from registration date. Go to any community or arts center for more information about how to register.
Choose a discount: 25, 50, 75, or 90%
Learn more about the Access Discount Program
Rentals and facility reservations
MAC has a wide variety of spaces available to rent for a wide range of uses, including weddings, benefit auctions, conferences, workshops, meetings, parties, and more. All rental rooms and bathrooms are ADA-accessible and air conditioned. Most spaces have WiFi coverage which is provided free of charge. For rate information please refer to the table below.
Facility tours and rental walkthroughs are by appointment only. Please schedule an appointment with our Rentals Lead.
MAC offers a specialized performing arts rental package to eligible artists and organizations/groups seeking to stage multi-day productions in our Auditorium space. We seek to elevate and support the performing arts in the Portland community.
To reserve space, complete our rental inquiry form.
| Room & Description | Open Hours Hourly Rate | Closed Hours Hourly Rate | Deposit (Refundable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auditorium: Our auditorium is ideal for receptions, dances, lectures, and performances. It is over 3000 square feet and has 20' ceilings, wood moldings, maple hardwood floors in the main room, dimmable LED lights, and a stage with ADA access. The capacity is 180 people seated at tables, or 250 theatre style. | $95 | $135 | $75-400 |
| Dance Studio: The dance studio is available for events and classes such as dance, aerobics, and yoga. It is 2400 square feet of floor space, has 20′ ceilings, and lots of light, wood floors, mirrors and ballet barres. Events with food, drink, tables or chairs are possible with MAC's approval. A piano and sound system are available. The capacity is 150 people. Tables are not included but can be requested for an additional fee. | $40 | $70 | $45-200 |
| Classrooms: Classrooms are available for parties, classes and meetings. Most rooms come with a chalkboard and sink. Average dimensions of classrooms are 24′ x 25′ with 12′ ceilings. Projection screens are available. The capacity is 45 people theatre style and 50 standing room. | $45 | $75 | $25-75 |
| Conference Room: The conference room is perfect for neighborhood and board meetings, from business presentations to smaller groups. It is equipped with a bulletin board, dry erase board, a large projection screen and computer or DVD hook-up. An LCD projector is available for rent. Seats up to 14 around table and 20 in room. | $20 | $45 | $20-60 |
| Gym: The Gym is available for events and classes such as dance, aerobics, and yoga. It is 2400 square feet of floor space, has 20′ ceilings, lots of light, and wood floors. Events with food, drink, tables or chairs are possible with MAC's approval. The capacity is 150 people. Tables are not included but can be requested for an additional fee. | $40 | $70 | $45-200 |
| Basketball Court: The Basketball Court is available for outdoor fitness, dance, and sports activities. Concerts, performances, and other cultural events are also possible. This space is covered and electrical outlets are available. Access to restrooms is available during regular business hours. Chairs and tables are not included. | $40 | $40 | n/a |
| Courtyard: The Courtyard is available for concerts, performances, and other cultural events. This space is not covered. Electrical outlets are available. Chairs and tables are not included but can be requested for an additional fee. | $40 | $40 | n/a |
Community engagement
MAC's Community Engagement program is focused on extending the reach of MAC's arts education resources outside of our walls, directly to Portland's underserved communities. This vital work is made possible through MACA funding, and the collaboration of MAC's dedicated Community Engagement staff with our trusted partner organizations. Ongoing programming includes satellite classes at Rosewood Initiative, First Friday Arts for All community events, and our Arts in the Parks, our annual summer collaboration with Portland Parks & Recreation's Free Lunch + Play program.
Interested in collaborating with our Community Engagement team on arts programming or an upcoming event? Partnership opportunities are limited; if you'd like to be considered, please fill out our Partner Interest Form, and we'll reach out to schedule a call or meeting.
MAC front and center galleries
MAC has operated a regional gallery since 1982. Now featuring two exhibition spaces, The Front & Center Galleries serve as an educational venue for the community and a supportive environment for artists to share their work. Artists who show here are residents of Oregon and southwest Washington. Exhibiting artists are selected via an annual Call for Art. The resulting shows reflect the artistic dynamism of the region: a wide spectrum of media is shown, diverse subject matter is explored, and unique perspectives are shared.
Current & Upcoming Gallery Shows
Leasing opportunities at Multnomah Arts Center
Starting immediately, Portland Parks & Recreation is accepting Request for Interest (RFI) proposals from organizations interested in leasing one or more spaces at the Multnomah Arts Center.
Since 1982, in addition to providing community arts education, MAC has hosted multiple community organizations providing dedicated facility space as tenants, at or below market rate. The one common thread of all tenants is that they provide services to the public. This ensures MAC continues to have a positive impact on the Portland community, providing a diverse variety of services and activities to SW Portland and beyond.
Spaces Available
- Rooms 28-33 – Located in the space formerly occupied by Neighborhood House Senior Center, the newly renovated offices and classrooms located in the southeast section of the main MAC facility, including two all-user restrooms (5195 sq. ft. total space); accessible.
- Cottage 2 – Located to the west of the main facility, a previous preschool classroom with sink and restroom (1040 sq. ft.); public restrooms also available nearby; accessible.
-
Cottage 4 – Located to the west of the main facility, a previous classroom with sink (1040 sq. ft.); public restrooms also available nearby; accessible.
Proposal Packet and Sample MAC Lease
Links to the MAC request for interest and draft MAC lease documents are below.
MAC Request for Interest Packet
RFI Proposal Reviews Begin April 13, 2026
RFI proposals will be accepted until lessee(s) is selected. Please contact Kierra.Wing@portlandoregon.gov to learn more about this rare opportunity, or to schedule a 30-minute tour. Optional on-site tours will be held at Multnomah Arts Center by appointment.
RFI Contact
Kierra Wing, Property Coordinator II
Portland Parks & Recreation
503-307-7504
Kierra.Wing@portlandoregon.gov
Employment
MAC has a variety of part-time work opportunities including Specialized Arts Instructors, Customer Service Representatives, and more.
Weather policy and closures
PP&R classes, activities, rentals, and sports events may be canceled due to severe weather, such as ice, snow, or extreme heat. Call 503-823-2533 or visit weather information and closures for the most current information. Some recreation programs may run as conditions and staff availability allow. Safety is a major factor in determining operations at each PP&R facility. PP&R facilities, our social media outlets, and our website will all feature operating information including opening and closing times.
Weather Information and Closures
Map
Year acquired
1980
Size in acres
5.92
History
The City of Portland annexed Multnomah between 1954-62. The volunteer fire department, built in 1939 at 7780 SW Capitol Hwy, was converted into the Multnomah Community Center. In 1973, the focus changed from sports-related activities to arts and crafts, which were more suited to the space and layout of the building, and the center was renamed the Multnomah Community Design Center. With the addition of ceramic, pottery, and weaving classes, the center was renamed Multnomah Arts Center in 1978.
After the 1979 closure of the Multnomah Elementary School (built in 1919), parents created the Multnomah Historical Association to preserve the buildings, history, and memorabilia of the community. Due in part to the efforts of the association, the school became the new community center. It was acquired by Portland Parks & Recreation in 1980 and renovated. In January 1982, MAC was moved to the new location.
In 2019, the main building at Multnomah Arts Center received seismic and ADA improvements thanks to funds from the 2014 Parks Replacement Bond. The Bond also funded ADA improvements to improve access to the six cottages on the west side of Multnomah Arts Center, which are used by PP&R for community arts classes and other programs. There are now smooth, newly paved ramps, handrails, and two additional reserved ADA parking spots. These improvements will better serve community members by ensuring access for all.