The MAC

Beautifully curated exhibitions! Free to access, as well as being managed by incredibly conscientious guides. Whether you’re in Belfast for a few hours or the whole weekend, it is a hidden gem!

Great, modern, well-kept place, the exhibition that we saw was amazing and very captivating. Despite there being a lot of people at the time it wasn't noisy nor overwhelming

The MAC is a great place to take a break when you're in the city centre. It has a cafe which serves brunch/lunch or snacks. It is also a good option for a day trip when the art galleries are open or for a theatre performance. The building is large and airy, and you can choose to sit in booths, or more open cafe tables dotted around the first two floors. The cafe has a kids menu and an adult menu, and they offer a selection of traybakes and snack at the counter. You queue up to order at the counter, and then the staff bring your order to your table. The toilets are clean and pleasant, and the building has lift access and is accessible for wheelchairs.

My first time visiting the MAC. It had a cute Café but we didn't use it. The exhibition we were viewing was over three floors but it was all very accessible. It was free and well worth a visit.

Fantastic exhibitions and really interesting art!! Incredibly informative and friendly staff. Best value for money cup of tea at the Cafe ☕. Lovely few hours spent and such a beautiful building.

Visited on 29/06/25 only to be told every single gallery was closed. Told they will open in 3weeks. I was under the impression that galleries plan their exhibitions months in advance. Why don’t you have some permanent art to rotate? Why on earth would you have an art gallery with no art at the busiest time of year? It really isn’t anything more than a glorified cafe. Shameful

Thought provoking, colourful and . That’s how I’d describe the MAC. It’s free entry with a suggested donation of £5. AStaff we’re lovely and very chatty, it helps that they’ve got ‘Talk to me’ written on their backs 😅 Exhibitions were huge, the top floor especially. I didn’t go to the cafe but I did I’ve the seating area to get some work done on my laptop. Only downside is the exhibitions are on separate discontinuous floors 1, 2 and 4, with the cafe in the middle so made it a bit clunky trying to see everything.

Went for coffee and a scone. Both were delicious. It's cool and kinda dark inside - I love this but some people might not. My friend had a cinnamon bun that was kinda stale.

The MAC is a good spot to spend a few hours and get in touch with your arty creative side. There are normally at least two exhibitions on show which are usually pretty quirky and reminded me alot of some of the galleries I visited in Paris. Exhibitions are very modern and new age quite like the building itself which is architecturally pleasing. Downstairs there is a reception area, kids play area and 'Native' cafe which also serves alcohol. Seating is plentiful and really comfortable. Make sure and go to the 2nd floor of the building where you will find an amazing white leather sofa which once you perch on you will want to just curl up and stay forever. I really want one for home! There are lots of shows in the theatre and upcoming listings can be found at the reception. There are lifts throughout and wheelchair access is excellent. It's also based in St Anne's Square so has a multi storey carpark park nearby and lots of on street parking around the side streets.

Awesome venue with loads of things to offer regarding events. Have a good size eating area. I visit here frequently for seminars,lectures and art shows. Their quality of artists that have shows here are world class.

First class modern museum in the heart of Belfast. Usually a few interesting exhibitions always on. Cafe downstairs and "canteen" restaurant upstairs. (Not a canteen) very lovely selection of local food. Mains around £14 and desserts £5 They have several nights like Cabaret and plays and have a bar with local brews and gins.

This review is for the Native Coffee shop on the ground floor rather than The Mac itself as I haven't been to any of the exhibitions in donkeys years. The cafe on the ground floor is excellent - rustic decor with exposed concrete and small intimate booths ideal for meetings. Great service from the staff in the cafe. We went for a few tray bakes and a coffee which were just sublime. The tray bakes were just on the right level of sweet without making us too high for our conference call. There's free Wifi in the cafe making a it a great place to work. Really need to book out a day to have a proper explore of The MAC. I always see exhibitions I want to visit online but never get round to actually going upstairs. I'll need to fix this very soon! Prepare for a review update in the coming weeks....to be continued...

Stumbled upon this absolutely whopper piece of architecture on my way for lunch and had to go in to have a little gawk. I never made it actually as far as the exhibits, but from what I saw from the epic entrance and current collection roll call, there's enough here to please even the most pernickety of art lover. There's a gorgeous cafe on the ground floor of the cavernous space with friendly staff, good coffee, snug booths and tasty cakes. Also there's string art. Massive string art. It's the coolest. Can't wait to go back.

Great to have a building like this able to show all types of art and creativity.

Even if there is nothing on show that tickles my cultural fancy, the MAC is still worth a visit for the architecture alone. It is a gorgeous building. Get the lift up to the Upper Gallery for a beautiful view of the main block, and you'll be surprised how pretty a load of coloured threads can look. There is always loads on here, and I've seen talks and stand up and Warhol and unknowns, but whatever you see, it'll be an experience. Currently there is a good international art prize exhibition on so check out the random fort with ping pong balls (if you see it you'll understand!) before it goes.

I must must perturbed by plastic beer bottles, this did intend throw me. The carnival of delights was amazing. I find the buildings itself a tad austere. But it is in keeping with the surroundings. As there is always so many intetesting events held at the MAC, this can be forgiven.

In my opinion the MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre) is one of Belfast's best places. It's an arts centre housed in a beautiful, modern, spacious building right in the middle of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. Home to art galleries, theatres, a cafe, bar and restaurant and covering genres such as visual art, music, theatre and dance. You really need to keep an eye on their website to find out what's happening as there's a constantly changing assortment of activities, exhibitions, plays and events. They serve some pretty awesome cocktails and wine too. Splendid spot - you're bound to find something to capture your interest here.

I recently ran an event at the MAC Theatre in Belfast for some clients. Clare and the team were brilliant in helping us prepare for and deliver the event on the day. Our clients seemed to enjoy the modern style surroundings and the Factory room that we used was airy and light. The catering was tasty and the team were really responsive to our needs. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is hosting an event in Belfast.

I had a few minutes to spare as I was meeting my wife in the square so I thought I'd have a coffee in the MAC. After entering through the scaffolded facade, which is s disgrace as its a new building and someone screwed it up, I made a bee line for the cafe. I ordered a coffee to go and it was duly served in a biggish lidded cup, piping hot and tasty. I love the interior especially the suspended wire sculpture. Have had food here before and was tasty. Must do it again.

We recently hired out the Mac for a work function at which we were out to impress. The venue did not let us down. The edgy modern design made a great change from the usual 'corporate function room'. Most guests commented that that it was their first time at the Mac and they were very much impressed. The professionalism of the staff shone through, ensuring the presentation went smoothly and covering up any bumps along the way with ease. If none of the above strikes a cord with you I would recommend the Mac on the breakfast alone.an abundance of fresh fruit was served alongside possibly the best bacon or sausage ciabattas known to man. A venue to impress

I love the MAC, its a great place to visit in the heart of Belfast. Whether you are calling in to see a show, or view some art, or just having a quiet pre-dinner drink or coffee its great experience. The interior itself is a work of art (As is the exterior according to my Architectually inclined friends) Despite the cast concrete and hardwoods its an extremely comfortable place to chill with an almost organic feel. Anytime I have been in the staff are very attentive and nice and the food is tasty too. (I think its provided by yellow door, though not 100% on that) With a diverse amount of attractions and facilities the MAC really is a cool little badge on the Belfast scene's belt. I'd recommend to anyone, even if its just popping your head in for a wee look.

This review is for the restaurant at the Mac which is ran by Yellow Door called Native, I had an amazing 3 course Christmas dinner last night, a gorgeous chicken salad to start which is on their BAU menu throughout the year which was packed with seeds and pulses which made it a very filling start to the meal, the braised beef for the main was melt in the mouth and a citrus tart to finish, I was with a group of 10 people and every course there were clean plates all round. We had pre ordered our meals as we were attending a show, and the staff were very pleasant and helpful, the only downside was it was a bit cold due to where we were sitting at the window near the door, the staff did try to help fix this situation however the temperature is controlled by the Mac itself and not the restaurant so it was beyond their control to fix it although they did make sure no-one hovered in the doorway and kept it open which did help a little, so I can't mark them down for that. The only thing that could be improved was the service at the bar it was a bit slow and not very well staffed which on a show night I thought was unusual. Would highly recommend the food and looking forward to returning

Ok, so the MAC isn't yet finished, so I know there's no way I could review it, but I think the building is worth looking at, as well as the MAC as a theatre (or the Old Museum Arts Centre as they used to be known) This new theatre is going to be huge. I used to work round the corner and saw it get bigger and bigger each day. Apparently it will have (according to their website) "three major visual art galleries, two theatres, a dance studio, education, workshop and rehearsal spaces, offices for resident arts groups as well as a resident artist and (of ourse) a cool café and bar." Sounds impressive, right? I'd say it will be. Plus, the calibre of the output will be high. I went to a few shows in their old premises, the Old Museum Arts Centre, and was alsways blown away. That theatre was a tiny, pokey little place, with no catering, very little lobby space and the feeling that you were actually just in someone's house! But all that aside, they put on some great shows. I saw one a few years ago, Gagarin Way, that I still remember clearly to this day. So, even though it hasn't yet opened, I'm really excited to see what this ambitious theatre can do with all the facilities it will now have at its disposal.

What a way to kick-start December by heading to my first Christmas show of the season! I was delighted to be able to take my sister and my two cousins, aged 6 and 7, to see Rumpelstiltskin at The Mac on Tuesday. The play is a new twist on the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale in which a Miller lies to the King and says that his daughter Emily can spin straw into gold. Full of despair, a mysterious creature appears to Emily and says he will do it for her- but in exchange for a series of gifts! The show stars three local actors Doireann McKenna (as the feisty Emily), Jo Donnelly (as the dark and scary Rumpelstiltskin) and Michael Lavery (as the pompous King), as well as Tom Giles (as the bumbling Miller). The King was hilarious and had me laughing all night- definitely some humour in there for adults! There was great audience interaction and my little cousin was nearly out of her seat hoping to get picked to speak to them. The cast did a brilliant job entertaining both the kids and the adults, and I think we all talked about it in the car home. The MAC is such a great venue for shows so do go along if you get the chance!

Great venue for an exhibit or conference. Not so much for a night out or event, as it tends to be a little on the pricey side.

Great place in the centre of Belfast to go see a show, look at some art or just try a coffee and bun. This place is ideally located right next to an array of restaurants, bars and coffee houses. Parking is very convenient with the exit to the nearest parking lot right next door. They also do plenty of family and price friendly events through the year from xmas tree lights to Sunday story Time.

The MAC is one of my favourite spots in Belfast and as a lover of modern architecture and concrete it's basically heaven to me ! Always interesting exhibitions and art and it also has a lovely theatre space , however it comes into it's own as a place to lunch or have dinner and to meet up with people either for business or socializing in a really nice environment. Food is generally excellent and lunch tends to be very good value.

The little Theatre that tries. The Metropolitan Arts Centre (The MAC) is fast becoming the place to be. The in crowd" isn't your typical bunch of Luvies and hangers on that seem to frequent other venues around Belfast rather it is comprised of young and old, rich and poor, in a one stop shop. A blend of the arts and those who appreciate them, or are learning to. I have made it a point to see an exhibition of Andy Warhol's work and three shows, including two musicals and a play which contained music, more on this later. The space is broken up into studios, theatre, workshops, a bar and restaurant which fit into a plot of land which sits in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter and at first glance looks mundane and unremarkable until you step through the doors. The bar come restruant occupies the main atrium and while the shape is odd and the walls are red brick and concrete it is surprisingly welcoming. If you want a coffee, bar snack or meal you are well catered for and the staff are accommodating and informative to the extent of being chatty. Some might find this irritating but I think it lends a bit of Belfast charm and will be a bonus as tourism grows. For anyone looking for a place to impress a date I think this venue comes in at the smart, but not smarmy, level. With a blend of exhibitions, workshops and shows the venue always appears to be busy and serves a good cross section of the community. Now onto those shows. My wife and I love to visit London's West End and when we came across a listing for Sweet Charity at The MAC we booked immediately, even thought we had never heard of the company who were staging the show. The little company known as Bruiser impressed us with a charming effort which actually had the cast playing musical instruments on stage, something I have never seen before and which took a little getting used to. Once captured we were enthralled and enjoyed the quadruple talents of actor, singer, dancer and musician that each of the cast revealed themselves to be. Brusier's second outing, and our second visit, was Lady Windermere's Fan and as the limited cast were outnumbered by Mr Wilde's varied selection of roles they soon took control by assigning multiple roles with little regard to gender, which made for much hilarity and shenanigans. The inclusion of music and singing was something which I believe Oscar would have enjoyed as it cocked a snoot at convention. The latest visit gave us a rendition of Les Mis preformed by students of Belfast's School for the Performing Arts, a triumph which led to not one but two standing ovations and any professional cast should be quaking in their boots as these young people not only filled the stage, they stormed our senses and filled the venue with enthusiasm and talent and all this for £12 per ticket, good value for such a production. So if you have had enough of Waiting for Godot at the Lyric and paying £50 to compress yourself into a seat at the Grand Opera House then take a leaf from Shakespeare and hie thee hither to The MAC and enjoy a great venue.