Metropolitan Arts Centre Tours and Activities

Metropolitan Arts Centre which includes a city and modern architecture


Peruse works of art, gaze up at the rainbow wires that pay tribute to a murdered boy and attend a concert.

The Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) is a significant venue for music, theater and art in Belfast. It plays an important role in the discussion of contemporary art in Northern Ireland. Browse the various temporary exhibitions for a glimpse into the local talent and inspect the site’s striking permanent work of art.

Attend a dramatic performance in the 350-seat auditorium or the 120-seat intimate theater. Seats are comfortable, spacious and close to the stage. Peruse artistic displays across the three art galleries. The center has many other rooms, such as an artist-in-residence studio, a dance studio, four offices for resident art groups and a rehearsal space.

See the complex’s sole fixed work of art, The Permanent Present. Irish artist Mark Garry created the piece, which consists of 400 copper wires of many colors, to honor the memory of a murdered teenager. It emphasizes the futility of violence and the aspirations of youth.

Appreciate the warm atmosphere created by intriguing artworks and helpful staff. Bring your kids to the family room, which has books, toys and a dress-up box. Activities for children include story-telling sessions.

Discuss the art and performances while enjoying refreshments at the café and bar. Have lunch or a pre-theater meal at the Native by Yellow Door restaurant. Exit the building to admire its exterior, a modern design that blends bricks, glazing and a basalt tower. After your visit to the MAC, walk around nearby St. Anne’s Square, which has restaurants and shops beneath a colonnade.

The Metropolitan Arts Centre opens daily from morning until evening. Visit during a performance night, when it stays open a little later. Entrance is free to all. Check the website for new exhibitions and shows.

MAC is located just north of the city center. It stands between Buoy Park and St. Anne’s Cathedral in a region next to part of the Ulster University campus. If you are driving, you can park for a fee in the St. Anne’s Square lot, which is open 24 hours.

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Top Metropolitan Arts Centre Hotel & Accommodation Deals

room2 Belfast Hometel
room2 Belfast Hometel
4 out of 5
32-36 Queen Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
room2 Belfast Hometel
Maldron Hotel Belfast City
Maldron Hotel Belfast City
4 out of 5
20 Brunswick Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Maldron Hotel Belfast City
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
4 out of 5
Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Clayton Hotel Belfast City
Clayton Hotel Belfast City
4 out of 5
22-26 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
5 out of 5
Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre
Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre
3 out of 5
20 Talbot Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre
Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
40 Hope Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre, an IHG Hotel
AC Hotels by Marriott Belfast
AC Hotels by Marriott Belfast
4 out of 5
Donegall Quay, Belfast Harbour, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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ETAP Belfast
ETAP Belfast
3 out of 5
35 Dublin Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.