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 Pass - Reduced Pricing
PP&R believes recreation is for everyone. We know the price of programs and activities prevents some community members from participating. Thanks to the Parks Local Option Levy, we can offer new payment options for people who live within the City of Portland.
City of Portland residents can register for a free Access Pass to receive an ongoing discount of 25, 50, 75, or 90% based on financial need. The pass is valid for 12 months from the date of enrollment. No proof of income is required.
Learn more about the Access Pass
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.
Registration begins:
- Thursday, December 14— Register beginning at 9:30am for fall activities that start on or after January 8.
- Thursday, January 18— Register beginning at 9:30am for fall activities that start on or after February 12.
View and sign up for activities online
View PP&R's Winter 2023 Activity Guide
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: https://www.portland.gov/transportation/parking/parking-kitty-faqs
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 https://parkingkitty.ppprk.com/park
Information and support with Parking Kitty can be found here: https://www.portland.gov/transportation/parking/parking-kitty-faqs.
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: https://www.portland.gov/transportation/parking/parking-kitty-faqs
To learn more about the Pay to Park system, citations, ADA parking, and other FAQs, check out https://www.portland.gov/parks/parking-guide
You can contact MAC’s supervisor Michael Walsh at michael.walsh@portlandoregon.gov with any additional questions not answered in the resources above.
Request for Interest
Are you passionate about art, community, and making a difference? If so, we have a fantastic opportunity.
The Multnomah Arts Center, located at 7688 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219, has two spaces, Room 37 and Cottage 4, available to be leased. We're looking for nonprofit community service or arts organizations to submit proposals for a lease agreement by January 1, 2024.
At Multnomah Arts Center, we're on a mission to support cultural and artistic practices that bring diverse communities together. We believe in providing affordable spaces that enhance community services and support arts education.
If you're passionate about revitalizing public spaces and making a positive impact in Portland, take advantage of this incredible opportunity to share a space with us. Together, let's breathe new life into Multnomah Arts Center and make our community even more vibrant!
What we're looking for
We invite you to submit your proposal, outlining your vision, expertise, and plans for the space you're interested in. We're looking for proposals that align with our mission, vision, and values, including equity and anti-racism, stewardship, safety and belonging, connection to community, and accountability. More information about each of these is included in the Request for Interest forms at the bottom of this page.
The Request for Interest forms have all the information you need to complete your submission, including preferred use guidelines, evaluation criteria, information about the proposal evaluation process, and proposal submission requirements.
Submit your proposal
Proposals are due by January 1, 2024, at 11:59 pm PST. Please make sure your submission is no more than 10 pages. You can send an electronic copy to the contact person listed below. We also encourage you to schedule a site tour at Multnomah Arts Center to get a feel for the space.
Contact us
For any questions or to schedule a tour, reach out to Kierra Wing, Property Coordinator II, at 503-307-7504 or Kierra.Wing@portlandoregon.gov.
Multnomah Arts Center ADA and Seismic Improvements
Thanks to funding from the Parks Replacement Bond, Multnomah Arts Center received seismic and ADA improvements. In order to make the best use of these limited funds, feasibility studies were completed in Phase 1 of the bond to help define the scope of work for the two projects. In Phase 2, design and construction on these improvements will be completed.
Seismic improvements were focused on creating conditions for safe egress in the event of seismic activity. Work included installing bracing in the roof, replacing skylights, and rebuilding one wall of the auditorium.
ADA improvements improved access to the six cottages at 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.
Project Timeline
Seismic Improvements
- Summer 2017 - Winter 2017/18: Design Development
- Winter 2017/18 - Spring 2018: Construction Documents
- Summer 2018 - Winter 2018/19: Permitting and Bidding
- December 2018 - April 2019: Construction
ADA Improvements
- Winter 2017/18 - Spring 2018: Design Development
- Summer 2018 - Fall 2018: Construction Documents
- Winter 2018/19 - Summer 2019: Permitting and Bidding
- September 2019 - December 2019: Construction
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, Multnomah Arts Center received seismic and ADA improvements thanks to funds from the 2014 Parks Replacement Bond.