About Multnomah Arts Center
The Multnomah Arts Center provides excellent arts education in the visual and performing 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.
The Multnomah Arts Center Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which supports the vibrancy and health of the Multnomah Arts Center. MACA’s mission is to advocate for equity and access to arts education.
Inclement Weather Policy and Closures
PP&R classes, activities, rentals, and sports events may be canceled due to inclement weather, such as ice, snow, or extreme heat. Call 503-823-2533 or visit portland.gov/parks/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.
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
Sign Up for Activities
General Registration: Register online, over the phone through the Customer Service Center
(503-823-2525), or by calling or visiting a recreation or arts center. If cost is a barrier to participating, consider signing up for an Access Discount (more information above).
- Spring Programs are in progress and open for enrollment through June 8.
- Summer programs open for registration on the following dates:
- Thursday, May 15 beginning at 9:30am. Register for classes and programs that take place June 23- July 27.
- Thursday, June 12 beginning at 9:30am. Register for classes and programs that take place July 28 - August 24.
- Thursday, July 24 beginning at 9:30am. Register for classes and programs that take place September 2 - September 28.
Project Connect: Visit the Project Connect webpage to learn more about how PP&R provides different ways to bring the community and services together.
MAC Paid Parking Program - Lot C
As you may know, there is limited parking in the neighborhood surrounding MAC, aka Multnomah Village. MAC’s four parking lots are intended for MAC students and visitors. Yet, for many years, we have been accommodating the use of Parking Lot C by the general public, due to the parking challenges. Lot C is the lower, west-side lot closest to MAC’s Arts Cottages.
As of January 2, 2024, Parking Lot C is a “Pay to Park” lot. The rate is $1.60 per hour. All parking revenue will support MAC's community arts education programs. MAC's other three lots (A, B, and D) will continue to be for MAC visitors only and will remain free. If you would like to learn more, you can find answers to frequently asked questions here:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the hours for paid parking?
Paid parking is effective in MAC’s Lot C from 5am-10pm. MAC lots A, B, & D are for MAC Parking Only. Violators will be towed.
How do I pay for parking?
Parking payments can be made using the Parking Kitty app or with a credit card, debit card, or coin at the Paystation next to the pedestrian ramp in Lot C, near Capitol Highway.
What is Parking Kitty?
It is Portland's parking mobile pay app. You can learn more about the Pay to Park system, citations, ADA parking, and other FAQs related to Parking Kitty here.
How can I download Parking Kitty?
Download the City-owned Parking Kitty app from the App Store or Google Play. A web version is also available at Parking Kitty.
Information and support with Parking Kitty can be found here.
Do I have to have a smart phone in order to use the Parking Kitty system?
No. Customers can choose to use the Parking Kitty Paystation to pay with credit card or coin if they prefer. It is located at the base of the Lot C ramp that leads up to Capitol Hwy.
What happens with the parking revenue?
All parking revenue will support MAC's community arts education programs.
What options are there for local business employees or local residents who currently use the lot?
Users of Lot C will need to pay for parking during posted hours. Public use of Lot C has always been intended for short-term use, not for overnight or long-term parking.
Can someone purchase longer term parking permits?
While this is currently not an option, we are exploring its feasibility for the future. If you’d like to be informed if this becomes available, please let MAC’s supervisor Michael Walsh know by emailing michael.walsh@portlandoregon.gov.
How will parking restrictions be enforced?
City of Portland’s Parking Enforcement Officers will be patrolling the lots regularly and coordinating with staff and parking users as needed.
Where exactly is Lot C on MAC’s campus?
This map shows the location of all lots, bike parking, and nearby public transportation:
Who can I contact if I have Additional Parking Questions?
Information and support with Parking Kitty can be found here.
To learn more about the Pay to Park system, citations, ADA parking, and other FAQs, check out Parking Guide for Parks.
You can contact MAC’s supervisor Michael Walsh at michael.walsh@portlandoregon.gov with any additional questions not answered in the resources above.
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.