MAC, Belfast

Belfast’s MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), tucked within the charming cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter, is one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting cultural destinations. Since its opening in 2012, this striking venue-designed by local Belfast‐based firm Hackett Hall McKnight-has become a flagship for the city’s artistic renaissance. Its bold architecture, featuring intersecting brick volumes topped by a sleek basalt and glass tower, has earned several awards, including a 2013 RIBA National Award and a Brick Award for Best Public Building.

Beyond the building’s visual appeal, the MAC offers a vibrant mix of experiences tailored for tourists and locals. Inside, you’ll find two theatres (a 350-seat "Downstairs" and a more intimate 120-seat "Upstairs"), three galleries showcasing both local and international visual arts, a dance studio, rehearsal spaces, an artist-in-residence studio-and even a permanent art installation, The Permanent Present by Mark Garry, featuring 400 colourful strands suspended in the main foyer. The programme is refreshingly eclectic, featuring art exhibitions, theatre, music, dance, experimental performances, family-friendly workshops and much more-open an impressive 363 days a year.

After soaking in art and performances, the MAC’s on-site café/bar NATIVE is the perfect spot to wind down. Serving fresh, locally inspired dishes, it also extends into evening hours-ideal for pre- or post-show refreshments. Visitors love its relaxed vibe and welcoming atmosphere, a fantastic way to taste modern Northern Irish cuisine without straying.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, theatre-goer, foodie, or simply curious, an afternoon or evening at the MAC captures the creative energy of Belfast in one vibrant, unforgettable space.