About

The Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) is a cultural hub in the heart of Belfast. The MAC was founded on a simple but ambitious idea: that future facing cities need inclusive civic spaces where creativity can thrive and people from all backgrounds feel welcome. As one of the few truly neutral spaces in Belfast city centre, we provide a platform for arts and creativity to spark conversation, connection and wider social impact.

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Disabled Access Information Provided by TheMAC

Disabled Access at TheMAC

We recognise there can’t be a one size fits all approach to accessibility. We listen to our visitors to learn how best we can support them through their journey with us. The MAC was designed with access in mind with features like levelled entrances, automatic doors, lifts to all floors, accessible theatre seating options and hearing loops. Our team are trained to provide additional assistance during visits and have been through neurodivergence, JAM card and d/Deaf basic training. Additionally, our FOH managers are trained in level 1 BSL. We offer clear information online including an accessibility page that can be accessed directly from our homepage. Affordability is an important piece of accessibility. Free galleries and a programme of free Creative Learning events, along with schemes like 16-25 tickets and Passport to the MAC help remove these barriers.

Lift to all areas

The venue is on multiple levels, with lifts available to all areas.

Seating at regular intervals

Seating is available at regular intervals

Disabled access

Step-free route with firm surface from car park to entrance

There is a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.

Accessible retail space

The retail space is accessible, with step-free access and space to move around easily.

Step-free entrance

There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance.

Wheelchair-accessible viewing area

A wheelchair-accessible viewing area with step-free access is available, providing an optimal vantage point to view performances, presentations or activities.

Wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet

There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.

Step-free access to most areas

There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift.

Transport nearby TheMAC

The MAC is located right in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. Our address is 10 Exchange St West, Belfast, BT1 2NJ. Visit our 'Getting here' page for directions. There is step free access on our ground floor with two customer lifts that open at all levels. Park securely at Saint Anne’s Square multi-storey car park (charges apply), right beside the MAC on Edward Street. It’s open 24 hours. Alternatively, there is on-street parking around the MAC on Exchange Street West, Talbot Street and Academy Street. Blue badge holders can park with no time limit (for free) in on-street bays. Holders may also park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours (eg. outside Exchange Street West entrance) if no loading restrictions apply. There are also accessible parking spaces available at St.Anne's Square multi-storey carpark.

Bus station or stop

There is an accessible bus station or stop nearby with suitable boarding areas and facilities for disabled passengers.

Airport

There is an accessible airport nearby with suitable facilities and assistance available for disabled travellers.

Train station

There is an accessible train station nearby with suitable facilities and assistance available for disabled passengers.

Toilets features at TheMAC

There are accessible toilets on each of the 6 floors of the MAC. Please note that our toilets do not contain hoist systems.

Accessible toilet

A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements is available within the main public areas.

Accessible formats at TheMAC

Signed performances allow you experience the show through British Sign Language (BSL). Where possible, your interpreter will appear in costume, up close with the actors, allowing for a more immersive experience. Audio described performances are designed to welcome people who are blind or partially sighted. They give a live commentary of the visual aspects of a production, along with the actors' dialogue. Pick up a radio headset from Box Office when you arrive to hear the audio description throughout the show. Additionally, there are Induction Loops in both the Downstairs and Upstairs Theatres, available during all performances. MAC Relaxed Shows are specifically designed to welcome people with a learning disability, Down’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Condition or sensory and communication disorders. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement and some small changes made to the light and sound effects. An easy way to understand the atmosphere is perhaps, 'the opposite of the quiet carriage on the train'.

Sign Language

BSL interpretation is available.

Other features at TheMAC

At the MAC we believe that the arts belong to everyone; we work to keep things simple, removing barriers and making it safe for families to connect to the arts and feel part of a community. Accessibility is not an add on for us, it is a big part of how our building was designed, how we design experiences for our patrons and we continually look at how to equitably find ways that people and families with additional needs can take part fully and confidently. Clear Information and Preparation This all starts from before you even enter the MAC, we have information on accessibility clickable from the homepage of our website with information on your visit. We also have a dedicated section on the ‘Your Visit’ page telling families what they can expect from a visit to the MAC. Our aim is that the information will put at ease anyone coming to the building that their needs will be met with care and thought. A Welcoming Environment The MAC was designed with access in mind with features like levelled entrances, automatic doors, lifts to all floors, accessible theatre seating options and hearing loops. Once you arrive we create a warm and welcoming environment where our team are all trained to provide additional assistance during your visit and have been through neurodivergence, JAM card and d/Deaf basic training as well as our FOH managers being trained in level 1 BSL. Inclusive Programming Our programming actively welcomes children and young people with additional needs. We provide relaxed performances, audio described and signed. We have sensory kits available for all performances and quiet spaces throughout the space Affordability Access is also about cost and we try to remove this barrier in any way we can for children and families. We have free galleries and a free playroom; we provide free workshops and activities and our pricing strategy has subsidies for children, schools and people from areas of high deprivation. Ongoing Development We see accessibility as an ongoing development for the MAC. We listen to our customers and we actively engage with groups and individuals to constantly improve our offering. We have a d/Deaf steering group, a family panel and are on year 2 of a 3 year scheme with the University of Atypical which provided an accessibility audit of the organisation and are helping shape our goals around this. “I always feel very welcome at the MAC and so do my children. When my son attended the art display of the healing art project, he was very included. He is on the autistic spectrum and for someone to take notice of him at age 8 and give him the time of day and include him in the conversation is huge. Elaine and John did just that and he hasn’t stopped speaking about them ever since. They made a massive impact on his life: There is such a sense of community in the MAC and for me that will always be very special.”

Carers discount

A carers discount is available.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available for customers.

Online booking

Online booking is available.

Map or floorplan

A map or floorplan showing accessibility facilities is available.