Take a look at these culturally rich and preserved museums in various cities of Pakistan, to celebrate the upcoming International Museum Day…
international museum day
We’ve all visited a museum at some point in our lives, whether it was during a school field trip or with family on vacation. Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples. The International Council of Museums (ICOM) established ‘International Museum Day’ in 1977 to increase public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society, and it has been steadily gaining momentum ever since. And the theme for the year 2023 International Museum Day edition is ‘Museums, Sustainability and Well-being’.
Pakistan has some of the best museums in the world. More than likely, you can find a museum in your city covering any core subject. Stepping outside your premises or educational institutes to further expand on your knowledge, is especially crucial to developing younger generations. It is possible that a student will leave a museum inspired to become a scientist, a leader, a musician, or a writer. Museums possess what the classroom may not: the materials and information that enrich and create an experience that is memorable. Take a look at these culturally rich and preserved museums in various cities of Pakistan…
The National Museum of Pakistan is located in the city of Karachi. The museum was established in 1967 and it has a collection of over 15,000 objects from all over Pakistan. The National Museum of Pakistan is free of charge for anyone who wishes to visit it on their own accord. It is a great site for learning. A place where you can learn about history, culture, science and technology and art.
Lahore Museum was built during the British period (1849-1947). The building is majestic with traces of Mughal architecture followed by red bricks. Lahore museum contains the oldest collections of cultural, artistic and historical objects, it is one of the most visited museums of Pakistan. It showcases rare manuscripts, Gandhara sculpture, miniature paintings and old currency and coins, that are historical. The collections in this museum have attracted many scholars, researchers, tourists and students. So, if you haven’t visited Lahore Museum yet, you should plan a trip soon.
Taxila Museum holds a significant amount of collection of the Gandharan art. Most objects displayed at the Taxila Museum were discovered from the ruins of ancient Taxila. More than 4000 objects are displayed here including stones, gold, silver, sculptures, stones statues, tools, pottery, ancient coins and much more variety. There are many more historical sites nearby the museum. This place should be on your list, if you are exploring the history of Taxila.
The Peshawar Museum was established in 1947 and inaugurated in 1949. The museum was established by British Archaeologist, Sir John Marshall, who later became its director as well as secretary of education. The main building has five floors with an exhibition area of 4500 square feet. It houses over 100,000 items from all periods of Pakistani history, including pottery found along the Indus civilisation sites; stone sculptures from Buddhist caves; coins from ancient Greek cities like Alexandria (Egypt); Roman coins and jewellery made by Scythians (group of ancient tribes of nomadic warriors); Islamic silverware; Mughal miniatures and paintings, etc.
Lok Virsa Museum, also known as Folk Heritage Museum, is located in the capital city, Islamabad. It perfectly exhibits the cultural heritage of the people of Pakistan. Pakistan comprises different provinces that have different cultures. This museum depicts and displays the variety in the lifestyles of Pakistani people. This is portrayed through statues, pictures, pottery, music and textile work. It is considered as one of the finest cultural museums of Pakistan.
The Mohatta Palace Museum is located in Karachi. The palace was built in 1927 as the summer home of Shivratan Mohatta, a Hindu Marwari businessman - from what is now the modern-day Indian state of Rajasthan. In 1995, it was purchased by the Government of Sindh for its conversion into a museum, devoted to the arts of Pakistan. The museum themes change every quarter and display many different aspects of Pakistani Art and Culture.
Pakistan Air Force Museum is situated in Karachi, and it was established back in 1990. However, it expanded in 1999-2004, to include eateries, play areas for children and rides. The main museum features all kinds of fighter aircrafts and weapons used by the Pakistan Air Force. There are also radars and other weapons on display inside the building and outdoors. Aircraft captured from the Indian forces during the ’65 war with India and Jinnah’s Vickers VC.1 Viking, are the main attractions of the establishment. Additionally, scale models of World War I and II fighter jets are also on display for World War history enthusiasts, along with modern aircraft.
The Pakistan Museum of Natural History has a vast collection of natural history exhibits, from fossils to preserved animals, this museum has a collection of over 600,000 objects. It is situated in Islamabad and was established in 1976. It provides information in numerous departments such as palaeontology, geology and ecology, it is also a research centre. The museum is managed by Pakistan Science Foundation. Those who have a keen interest in natural history, anthropology. animals and science, this is a must visit place for you.
