![Khyber Building, Halifax](/img/gd_attr/44948.jpg)
Khyber Building, Halifax
Located on Barrington Street, the Khyber Building has been a cornerstone of Halifax’s cultural scene for over a century. Originally erected in 1888 as The Church of England Institute, this Victorian Gothic Revival structure was designed by architect Henry Busch, whose other works include the Halifax Academy and the Halifax Public Gardens Bandstand. Commissioned by Bishop Hibbert Binney, the building has evolved through various identities, from a religious institution to a vibrant artist-run center, music venue, and social space.
Its cultural reinvention began in 1994, when Halifax’s City Council repurposed the building as an arts hub, leading to the establishment of the Khyber Arts Society in 1997. By 1998, the Khyber Club emerged as a contemporary art gallery and performance space, fostering Halifax’s underground music and visual arts communities. Over the years, it became synonymous with artistic experimentation and creative energy, hosting countless exhibitions, concerts, and community events.
However, in 2014, the Halifax Regional Municipality closed the building due to hazardous materials, putting its future in limbo. A passionate movement emerged to reclaim and restore the space, and in March 2023, the Barrington Street Building Preservation Society secured $200,000 in federal funding and an additional $250,000 from the municipality to assist in remediation efforts. This funding marks a significant step toward reopening the Khyber as a thriving cultural venue under the stewardship of the Khyber Centre for the Arts.
Its cultural reinvention began in 1994, when Halifax’s City Council repurposed the building as an arts hub, leading to the establishment of the Khyber Arts Society in 1997. By 1998, the Khyber Club emerged as a contemporary art gallery and performance space, fostering Halifax’s underground music and visual arts communities. Over the years, it became synonymous with artistic experimentation and creative energy, hosting countless exhibitions, concerts, and community events.
However, in 2014, the Halifax Regional Municipality closed the building due to hazardous materials, putting its future in limbo. A passionate movement emerged to reclaim and restore the space, and in March 2023, the Barrington Street Building Preservation Society secured $200,000 in federal funding and an additional $250,000 from the municipality to assist in remediation efforts. This funding marks a significant step toward reopening the Khyber as a thriving cultural venue under the stewardship of the Khyber Centre for the Arts.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Halifax. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Khyber Building on Map
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![](https://b.tile.openstreetmap.org/18/84780/94663.png)
![](https://a.tile.openstreetmap.org/18/84776/94663.png)
![](https://c.tile.openstreetmap.org/18/84781/94663.png)
Sight Name: Khyber Building
Sight Location: Halifax, Canada (See walking tours in Halifax)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Halifax, Canada (See walking tours in Halifax)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Halifax, Canada
Create Your Own Walk in Halifax
Creating your own self-guided walk in Halifax is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Halifax Historical Buildings
Between the impressive waterfront and colorful, bustling streets, Halifax is a picturesque city. Much of its fascinating history is duly reflected in the local architecture. There are a number of historical landmarks in Halifax, including the time-honored buildings, palaces, and churches, where you can learn much about its glorious past.
The presence of these historical locations is bound to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
The presence of these historical locations is bound to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Halifax Introduction Walking Tour
Halifax is located on the ancestral lands of the Mi'kmaq who lived in the area long before Europeans arrived. Mi'kmaq called the area "Great Harbor". The city itself was established by the British in 1749 in violation of treaties with the Mi'kmaq. The establishment of the city led to Father le Loutre's War, otherwise known as the Anglo-Micmac War.
General Edward... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
General Edward... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles