Downtown Halifax's Art Tour (Self-Guided)

In 2015, DHBC launched a Gritty to Pretty placemaking program to award a limited number of grants for beautification projects located in Downtown Halifax. These projects contribute to DHBC's beautification efforts to make Downtown Halifax more welcoming to locals and visitors alike. 

To see this year's grant recipients click here, and to learn more about the grant streams click here

 

Now Grab Your Camera!

Put on your walking shoes and explore ALL the public art all over Downtown. You're welcome to start your tour anywhere, but our tour starts at Raymond Taavel Park, 1004 Barrington St. where over the last few years Gritty to Pretty has been able to fund beautification projects. 

Follow our map below to help you navigate the tour. Scroll a little bit further to see a description of the projects. 

Downtown Halifax Art Tour Map

Pro tip: Click or tap the "enlarge" icon (the one with the four corners) in the upper right corner of the map to open on Google Maps. 

In July 2019, the community came together to remember and celebrate Raymond Taavel, nearly seven years after the prominent gay rights activist’s death.

The Raymond Taavel Park was born and over the years Gritty to Pretty has funded beautification projects (like gardens and lighting) for the space and soon (early 2026) OSO Planning & Design will be turning it into "A Place For Everyone." More on that soon. 

After exploring the park, just start walking up Barrington until you see a big beautiful butterfly. That's how you'll know you're going the right way.

Once you pass the bus shelter on Barrington, turn your head to the right so you don't miss the beautiful mural on the facade of the Maritime Building on Salter Street.  

 

 

Now that we're down here, let's wander towards the water...

 

Now let's head back...destination Grafton Street - The Art Hub.

Final stop - Grafton Park.

More Public Art to Check Out Downtown

There are more art pieces to see Downtown outside of the Gritty to Pretty projects! Check them out below. 

 

Photo credits: Stoo Metz Photography

Façade Lighting

At night, the streets of Downtown is brighter thanks to the Gritty to Pretty Façade Lighting. Check out the façade lighting projects below.