Old Museum Arts Centre, Belfast

Nestled in the vibrant Cathedral Quarter of Belfast, the Old Museum Arts Centre (OMAC) is a hidden gem for visitors seeking a blend of history, culture, and architectural charm. Housed in a Grade A‑listed Greek Revival building, constructed in 1830–31 by the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society, it began life as Belfast’s first public museum, displaying everything from natural history collections to the famous Egyptian mummy, Takabuti. Over the centuries, despite damage during the Blitz and the Troubles, the structure has retained its elegant neoclassical façade, complete with Doric columns etched in Greek architectural tradition, offering a striking glimpse into Belfast’s early 19th‑century heritage.

During the 1990s, the building underwent a renaissance as the Old Museum Arts Centre, a creative hub offering a dynamic program of visual arts, theatre, dance, and live music. For a time, it served as the city’s go‑to venue for independent and experimental performances. In 2012, its cultural legacy branched out into the nearby Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC), a purpose‑built venue in Saint Anne’s Square, but OMAC continues to host events and workshops through partnerships with organizations such as the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society.

For tourists touring Belfast, a stop at OMAC is more than a photo opportunity; it’s a doorway to the city’s layered past, from natural history and public scholarship to civic resilience. Just a stone’s throw from the busier attractions of the Cathedral Quarter, it’s perfect for those who enjoy architecture, heritage, and the promise of a rediscovered space. As restoration efforts continue, OMAC is poised to reclaim its position not just as a museum but as a thriving cultural venue. Visitors with a keen eye for detail and history will find its story well worth exploring.