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 (MAC). 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.
It was acquired by Portland Parks & Recreation in 1980 and renovated. Now, the Multnomah Arts Center provides excellent arts education in the visual, performing and literary 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.
