I appreciate that MACLA offers free admission regularly, not just on South First Fridays which is when I came by recently. The building consists of several different spaces. The youth art exhibition showcased great photography and artworks, with friendly cheerful teens and young adults offering to give tours. The main gallery included interactive displays and interesting sculptures in the current exhibition, "From Their Hands to Ours." I especially enjoyed the unique works by Estefania Ajcip, aligned with the theme of connecting childhood memories and tradition to contemporary art. Los Calderones performed two sets of awesome live music in the attached Castellano Playhouse, the band full of energy and getting the crowd moving on the dance floor to their Afro-Latin rhythms. There was some seating available in this room as well. I enjoyed my time here and would definitely return to see more of what MACLA has to share. read more

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Went for first Friday. Interesting art and talented artists. Good overall vibe at the galleries that make up MACLA. Looking forward to going again. read more

3 small museums right next to each other on the same block! That's cool. This museum is focused on Latino American culture. It's small but powerful. The exhibits were thought-provoking about the minority experience in the past and today. I would love to come back to see some of the other live events they host here. read more

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visited this place during the south first friday event. it's small but great exhibition of art. Cool art piece, and really inspiring. Will love to visit again next month. read more

MACLA - Performing Arts Near Me - San Jose, California

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Lovely and intimate art space plus a fantastic stage for live music. Great sound and light setup. There's even room to dance. I've been here a few times... usually for First Fridays and most recently to see The New Nothings play on St. Patricks Day (great local band by the way... check them out)... and I'm always impressed with the events. Will definitely return.. read more

Went into MACLA for SOFA Fri 6/4/10. They had a DJ outside their door. The current exhibit is "The ARt of Politics: Three Generations of Political Printmaking in the Bay Area". Pretty cool work. Nice space. One bathroom in the back. read more

Wasn't aware of this until we attended First Fridays, but they have a music space (separate room) in the museum. Cool!

It was FREE to visit! The gallery is a large room with a good variety of Latino art. Worth stopping in when strolling downtown! read more

MACLA - Performing Arts Near Me - San Jose, California

So glad San Jose has all of these supportive/amazing facilities that honor my culture. This evening I attended a play called 57 Chevy and when I first arrived I was confused on where to enter and went through the wrong door. A wonderful lady came and took me to the right place, and also tried to help me figure out where the nearest ATM was to pay for the valet parking (15, although the sign said 10 but whatever downtown parking sucks ass and at least it was across the street). She was really sweet and welcoming. The gallery had minimal art displayed but everything was really dope. The play was so exciting! The price was only 15 dollars which is super student friendly. The chairs were really uncomfortable but tangible since everything/everyone else was so accommodating. Loved it! read more

MACLA - So cute - Performing Arts Near Me - San Jose, California

SAN JOSE SLAM Spoken Word!! Now TWO (count'em... TWO!) nights a month!! 2nd and 4th Mondays @ MACLA (more info to come) ______________________________________ i write... "someday" i keep telling myself "someday mine eyes closed an outstretched hand moving to the ebb and flow i'll find volume for my voice" ... I write... ... but someday.../ read more

I came here last night to watch Persimmons in Winter. Small local play but it was a wonderful show. Consider it is 3 hours long it didn't feel that way. The stage was very small and I never been to a performance so close to the actors and stage. It was a very intimate setting. Before the performance started they had a drum dance Korean troop perform. It was amazing. After that the play started. The actors and actress was great. I cried a few times. They played multiple characters and goes back and present time. At times it was a little hard for me to follow but they did a wonderful job expressing the story of two sisters who survived WWII and Korean War. How they journey to America and the what they had to suffer and go through. Great play and enjoyed it very much. Would come to back and see another performance. Thank you Maricar for inviting me. I had a wonderful time. read more

For me first experience, it was awesome. I was surprised that some of museums can be free. If I wanna take a rest or get some inspection visit this museum. Take a chance. read more

I was here last night watching this play: http://www.artsopolis.com/event/detail/56645 Wow. WOW. WOW. WOW. The venue in itself is surprisingly small. But it was really nice how private and cozy it was compared to the larger theaters. The play, however, was fantastic. What an outstanding lineup of incredibly talented actors and the amount they can accomplish on such a small stage with minimal props was truly impressive. Combine the talent with the captivating and engaging storyline, and you have the making of one excellent evening for $25 per person. Suggested itinerary: Make 6 pm reservations for you and a date at a downtown San Jose dining establishment. Make sure you will be out of the restaurant by 7:30, drop by Starbucks for a nice hot cup of coffee to take to the play, and be en route to the theater by 8 pm as this show, unlike others, begins RIGHT at 8 pm. Seriously - it is a play worth watching. The storyline goes back and forth between the 50's and modern day (1995, actually) and covers everything from the Korean war to cultural adaptation issues, expectations in love/marriage, individual attitudes to life, and the strong bond between sisters and lovers. THIS IS CLOSING WEEKEND. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to go until last night, but if you're available to go this weekend - DO IT. Fri / Sat: 8 pm Sun: 2 pm The playwright is in town for closing weekend, and the venue is such that you can hang out after the play to meet her, the director, and the lovely cast and crew as well. If you go - let me know how you liked it! read more

The MACLA consistently has the most innovative, thought-provoking works of art in its gallery walls. This is probably why it is so jam-packed on special exhibit nights, and especially on a South First Friday. The gallery doesn't constrain itself to fine arts, but includes spoken word and digital pieces as well. Don't be discouraged by the fact that its predominately Chicano/Latino art - the social/identity issues addressed by the artists can be appreciated by everyone. read more

Grass Roots Community oriented organization that embraces more than just Latino culture but the immense cultural diversity that exists in San Jose and the Bay Area. I've been to several events here such as Hip Hop shows, open Mics, and book signings and discussions. For the People, By the People. If you don't know, now you know! Word! read more

Small exhibit space, local latin artists, street metered parking, next to the Quilt museum. Free. read more

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I've been going to MACLA for more than five years now, and it never ceases to amaze. The beautiful thing about MACLA is that it's more than an arts organization--it's a real pillar of the community and a rarity in the South Bay. The cutting-edge visual arts work is unlike anything else in Silicon Valley and rivals that of major arts metropolises like LA and New York. MACLA is always pushing the boundaries of its visitors, challenging them to appreciate and understand innovative and avant-garde expression. The performance arts at MACLA are also unparalleled in San Jose. From plays to concerts to poetry slams to author's discussions, MACLA provides work that is gritty, raw and unique. A recent event, co-sponsored by Villa Montalvo, had a discussion with Palestinian and Iraqi hip hop artists. It was followed by performances from these artists--a truly inspiring and entertaining event. These are the kinds of things you can see at MACLA and nowhere else. I encourage everybody to visit MACLA to see it first-hand. San Jose needs more arts organizations like MACLA. You can always visit their annual art auction as well, which includes great food, wine and company. At my first auction, I volunteered as an art handler. Since then, I've come home with some great, affordable art. The work is so amazing that I have to set myself a limit before I go! read more

Good location. Good exhibits. Needs your support! Admission: F-R-E-E read more

Several blocks away from the SJSU campus in SOFA district, MACLA has served the community for years. How some folks can give this place less than three stars is beyond me. While they have an emphasis on Latino art, they've held countless events from varying cultural groups. This would do it all: they would throw poetry slams/ open mics, B-Boy functions, host independently run plays/musical groups, it served as a community hall (had a best friend have his graduation party here -- go Spartans!), have photography and art workshops, it was one of the only venues in the South Bay I knew of that would have events for the often stigmatized LGBT and hip hop c, The list goes on and on. On top of it all they'd have an art gallery and annual art auction supporting some of the Bay Area's finest local talent. Whew.. read more

Came here on a First Friday and loved the art displayed here! The gallery is a giant room, with mostly paintings, drawings, and photographs displayed, all by local Latino artists, a lot reflecting culture but also beautiful scenes. As I walked in there was a gorgeous large mixed media painting I wished wasn't the couple of thousands of dollars. There was also little table with gel markers and papers for the kids to draw in while you roam around the gallery. There was a side room that was holding a bone marrow donor registry too. read more

Ah, MACLA! What an eye opener experience. I went to MACLA as part of my South First Fridays excursion, and had a moving experience. The art is focused on the Latino culture, and the ongoing trend was - minority, rights, and fairness. The struggle to survive as a minority in America is not a new story; however, it's still a story that continues today. These art pieces visually speak this story in volumes. And before you visit and skim through the pieces of art, take a moment to also read the corresponding well-written descriptions. Really takes it home. read more

I often frequent this place during the South First Friday festivals and also remember coming here during an Art Rage Yelp Event a while back. Excellent venue that is so small and inviting. Great place to hide out at for a bit if you want to have some conversation with your friend or just want to plain stare at some art. They also have some Capoeira dance fighting going on; I distinctly remember my friend trying to teach this to me when I was in middle school. Pretty cool Brazilian martial art that incorporates dance and martial arts. My friends really enjoyed watching this. I have not been back here in quite a while but plan to again when we have another South First Friday that I can make it to. Although the Sub Zero festival I attended last was really a big success and even better and more interesting than the year before. I took plenty of photos from it that I haven't even posted yet! I should get on that, haha. I've seen some really great wall art here; the best pieces are always displayed at the front entrance. I should really consider another visit to a new gallery or museum in the city if the opportunity comes up. read more

Needs more cool exhibits. Really friendly staff/volunteers. Art is catered more to showcase hispanic/latino inspired art which is very different from the other art galleries on south first. Definitely check it out if you like going out on South First Fridays. read more

MACLA has so many great events going on thru the year. Art gallery shows, plays, performance art, dance, poetry. And the shows are so inexpensive, in this economy it's so nice to be able to get some culture for 10 dollars or less. And they support poetry. They are currently home to San Jose Poetry Slam. Second Monday of every month. If you have never been to a slam it is something to check out. They also have free youth poetry workshops. Every Friday from 4 to 6pm, led by David Perez, and every Monday from 5 to 7pm, led by Scorpiana X. read more

This place is a must-visit on First Fridays. They have a wonderful gallery space, well-curated shows and friendly staff/volunteers. They also often have performances in the side room, and sometimes have interactive projects where you can make something to take home and/or add to the show. I particularly enjoyed the superheroes show (aug-nov 2014). read more

You'd expect such a vibrant and colorful place to be an inviting venue but the young man at the front desk made me feel invisible. His eyes never left his device and he just sat there like he was just waiting to clock out! Aside from that the display of artwork was interesting, it had me wandering from one side of the room to the other. Crocodile Tears by Erica Garcia was one of my favorites. Her art showed Barack Obama 'crying' over Latin American refugees in front of cameras on a pirate ship as he kicks them off a wooden plank behind him. A crocodile awaits underneath with the words "VIOLENCE", "DRUGS" and "GANGS" written all over it, waiting to eat the falling kids. I don't know about you but that piece gives the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words" a whole new meaning read more

MACLA/Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana is a great spot on South First in San Jose to enjoy visual, performing and literary arts. I've been a long time attendee at MACLA's opening receptions, plays, etc. My favorite is the Spring Art Auction where you can find fascinating art to buy at a reasonable rate - plus the auction gets your heart racing in your hunt for the perfect work! I also like the First Fridays (first Friday of each month) when all the arts organizations on 1st are open with music, food and great art. read more

This review is for the recreation room where concerts go down. Very small venue, probably the smallest I've ever been to for a show. This makes the sound quality quite atrocious but at the same time very fun. No matter where you are in the Macla, you are very close to the artist(s) you are there to see. Admission is cheap and there's ins and outs which is always a big plus in my book. read more

Nice little museum with some interesting art. At the time I was there, there was also art for sale. I think there's also another section with theater arts, but I can't be sure. read more

Not the hugest of galleries. They do seem to involve the community in several projects, but whenever I visit they are either closed or the students give me a shady eye. They offer free concerts hosted by small young locals. Not as consistent as it could be. read more

I live up here in Oakland where we have quite the burgeoning art scene [cf http://oaklandartmurmur.com ] but it's sorely missing some minority/diversity representation. Not like Oakland is lacking in Mexicans or that we are anything BUT creative beasts, so wtf is up?? San Jose's got MACLA, which is a gallery/community center/collective-ish center, Loved the group show we saw when we stopped in [through October, it's not on the site yet] and you must check it out, if just for the the glass slippers that include a JELLY. [I was dying, so awesome and funny.] The photos, the decked-out bike, the Guadalupe pop triptych. I'll definitely be back and hope you all support this amazing place, it's a real gem. read more

Sorry to dissent, but today's visit was a letdown. The artwork in the restroom was more interesting than the works displayed, which were bland and too much alike to provoke more than momentary interest. I imagine that the performances are better. read more

Friendly staff, wonderful space, and of course, beautiful art!

The macla is awesome! Drinking beers outside drawing on meth-induced bums and stickers. Shit-faced crack-heads and brutal shows make this place a great experience. Its also chill to smoke a blunt outside. read more

For those who enjoy art and meeting people locally in the SJ SoFA District, I highly suggest to drop by and come here. Showcasing local artists and live performances, I was moved by a lot of their work. I came here twice for a Leftcoast Live event and downtown SJ's art walk. I met a few people who were showing their work to the public whilst local bands were playing inside the gallery. Appreciate the art and exhibitions, because it's rare to have any great ones around SJ. They also open their venue to open mic nights for poetry slams. Those who are interested, visit their website for upcoming events. They also provide programs to those who are more than interested than just art. I spoke to Joey, who works with MACLA, explaining that more people should broaden their interests and experimentation from what they offer. Support the arts and entertainment in downtown SJ yelpers! FYI....a couple of their events are FREE to the public! read more