Frere Hall, Karachi

Raised in memory of Sir Bartle Frere (Commissioner of Sind 1851-1859, this Venetian Gothic style building was designed by Colonel Clair Wilkins whose proposal was selected from 12 entries, in what was perhaps the first recorded architectural design competition for a public building in Sind. Completed in 1865 at a cost of Rs.1,80,000 out of which Rs. 22,500 was raised for the memorial through public donations, the building was officially inaugurated by Commissioner Mansfield on 10th Oct. 1865. The gardens around the building were added in 1887-88 by Mr. Benjamin Flinch. Originally the statues of Queen Victoria and King Edward (both of which have now been removed), adorned the garden.

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If you can not go to sistene chappel to see Micelangello's painting on the ceiling, you can always go to Frere Hall to see what Sadequain did.

While painting the celing, the Holy Sinner passed away. It was debated amongst his students and others that maybe his students can finish this off. However sense prevailed, and it was decided that this was his master piece, and it should be left as it is.

Sadequain was a master muralist . He was also a social commentator. His murals generally depict man’s endless quest to discover and develop the endless potentialities that lie within him and without. Sadequain was responsible for the renaissance of Islamic Calligraphy in Pakistan. He was one of the greatest calligraphers of his time who transformed the art of calligraphy into eye-catching expressionist paintings.

Like all famous artists, Sadequain died a poor man...but heard his landlord made millions selling his work.

It was built in honor of Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere (1815-1884), who was instrumental in the economic development of Karachi. Very colonial, is situated in the heart of the city near American consulate and Hotel Marriott. A well developed park is situated in front/around this hall. The hall has been renamed Sadequain gallery, who died while painting the ceiling of this hall.

Due to security concern (raised by US embassy), this hall is now off limits to all.

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In the days of the British Rule, Frere hall served as a Town Hall and was the hub of Karachi’s socio cultural activities. This handsome Venetian Gothic building was built to commemorate the Commissioner-ship of Sir Bartley Frere and his elevation to the Viceroy's Council in 1859. Construction of the building was commenced in August 1863 and was completed in 1865.

The ground floor houses a fine public library named Liaquat National Library (after Mr. Liaquat Ali Khan, first Pakistani Prime Minister). It is one of the largest libraries of Karachi, contains over seventy thousand books, including rare and hand written manuscripts, newspapers, dictionaries, atlases and technical books.

The upper floor serves as an art gallery containing masterpieces of Pakistan’s famous calligrapher and painter Sadequain.

Park suurounding the main building is known as Bagh-e-Jinnah (Jinnah Park). It is very green and beautiful. People come and relax here in free time.

Karachi is dotted with institutions built by and for Goans. St. Patrick's Church,was built in 1845 at a cost of Rs 6,000 raised by the Goan community through public subscription. It was Sindh's first Catholic church. Today it is flanked by St Patrick's High School(Convent of Jesus & Mary school for girls) . Both these limestone structures are fine examples of Gothic architecture and lie in a quieter part of Karachi.

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The Karachi Municipal Corporation (defunct) building is probably the crown jewel of colonial era architecture in the city. It is made out of local gizri sandstone with a jodhpur red sandstone facing. The architecture is Anglo-mogul. The clock tower was made to commemorate the visit of King George V. Currently, this building and its surroundings are in a massive state of degradation and it needs urgent renovation efforts.

Surrounded by the green Bah-e-Jinnah, Liaqat Hall, originally the frere hall was once the Town Hall where inc colonial days, concerts and social events were held reqularly. This two-storied Venetian Gothic building now houses the Liaqat Municipal Library on the ground floor and an art gallery on the upper storey. Named after one of Pakistan's renowned artists, Sadequain the gallery displays a permanent collection of the artists's work, Sadequain spent the last years of his life painting a huge mural on the ceiling of the gallery but, sadly, did not lived to complete it.

Frere Hall is one of the beautiful and old buildings in Karachi. It is another building which reminds the colonial time of Great Britain. It is situated in the heart of the city near American embassy and Hotel Marriott. It has a park in front of it as well. this area is just few of the areas where you could see few tourist around.