Khyber Building, Halifax

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.

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Khyber Building on Map

1
30 m
100 ft
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Khyber Building
Sight Location: Halifax, Canada (See walking tours in Halifax)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

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