Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia gears up for multi-million-dollar expansion

The Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia is getting a makeover.

The museum, which is more than 40 years old, has some big upgrades in store as it embarks on a journey to make space for history.

"We're in a place and time where people want to share their history,” says Russell Grosse, executive director of the facility. “They want to share their family lineage. They want to understand more about diverse cultures. And because of that, it creates an atmosphere where we have to create more space to do so."

The 40,000 square-foot plan is valued at $40 million.

Grosse says people can expect a 300-seat performing arts theatre, a grand hall for community events and more exhibit and gathering spaces to be included.

"The Black Cultural Centre has always been a community gathering place…a place where a lot of important discussions have taken place that have moved the needle and created change. And we wanted to be able to do more of that," says Grosse.

Wayne Adams, former executive director for the cultural centre, says he’s excited fulfill the dreams of the late Rev. Dr. William Pearly Oliver, who first had the hopes of creating a centre to highlight African-Nova Scotian history.

“Part of Dr. Oliver’s dream was to see the centre expand, either during his time or after his time,” says Adams. "We're pretty pleased to say that we can fulfil that dream.”

The facility expects to start breaking ground in 2026, and Grosse says they hope to complete the project within a two-year period.

They are counting on the public’s support to help fundraise.

“I don’t see that we’re going to have any shortage of support from all across Canada to be able to make this a reality,” says Grosse. 

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