Frere Hall is a building in Karachi, Pakistan that dates from the early British colonial-era in Sindh. Raised in memory of Sir Bartle Frere, Commissioner of Sindh, 1851-1859, Frere was a British administrator who was known for promoting economic development in Sindh. The building was renamed in his honour.
Frere Hall was designed by Colonel Clair Wilkins whose proposal was selected from 12 entries in the first recorded architectural design competition for a public building in Sindh. Built in 1865 using the local yellowish limestone the cost of its construction was covered through public donations.
The building was the hub of Karachi’s social activities and also served as a Town Hall with regular public meetings, concerts and theatrical performances.
Gardens were added around it by Benjamin Flinch in 1887-88. The gardens are now called Bagh-e-Jinnah and the building which has been substantially redecorated in Islamic style by a Pakistani artist, now houses a library. Following the independence of Pakistan, the hall’s library was renamed as Liaquat National Library. The library is one of Karachi’s largest library.
Location
| Fatima Jinnah Rd, Saddar Civil Lines, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan |
| Open: 9:00AM – 5:00PM |