Museums: Where history breathes

museums

Museums are not just buildings filled with old objects; they are living spaces that connect people with their past, inform the present, and shape the future. In Pakistan, museums play a unique and important role in narrating the story of an ancient land with deep civilisations, colonial histories, and diverse cultures. Despite many challenges, these institutions stand as silent storytellers, keeping the country’s rich heritage alive for future generations.

Pakistan, with its ancient civilisations like the Indus Valley and Gandhara, has a long and fascinating history. The artefacts, sculptures, manuscripts, and artworks preserved in its museums provide a glimpse into the life and beliefs of people who lived thousands of years ago. One of the most important museums in the country is the ‘National Museum of Pakistan’, located in Karachi. Established in 1950, it houses a wide range of items, including rare manuscripts of the Holy Quran, Islamic calligraphy, coins, ancient pottery, and relics from the Indus Valley and Gandhara civilisations. The museum’s well-preserved collection tells the story of Pakistan’s history, from pre-Islamic times to the early years of independence. It is a place where history breathes through the silent presence of each artefact.

Another significant museum is the ‘Lahore Museum’, also known as the Central Museum, which was established in 1865. It is the oldest and largest museum in Pakistan and has a vast collection of art, history, and culture. It gained international fame when it was mentioned in Rudyard Kipling’s novel ‘Kim’. The museum is home to stunning pieces from the Gandhara period, especially Buddhist sculptures that reflect the fusion of Greek and Buddhist art forms. It also includes miniature paintings, textiles, carpets, weapons, and musical instruments from various periods. The architecture of the museum itself, a blend of Mughal and colonial styles, is a piece of history.

‘Taxila Museum’ is another treasure, located near the ruins of the ancient city of Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region was once a centre of learning and culture, and the museum contains artefacts discovered on nearby excavations. Statues of Buddha, stupas, tools, and jewellery from the Gandhara period give visitors an insight into the lives of those who lived in this once-thriving civilisation. The museum is especially popular with historians and archaeologists from around the world, who come to study the unique Indo-Greek art and cultural exchanges that took place here.

In Peshawar, the ‘Peshawar Museum’ is known for its collection of Gandharan art. It houses over 14,000 items, including Buddhist sculptures, Islamic manuscripts, ancient coins, and weapons. The museum was established in 1907, and its building is also a fine example of British colonial architecture, designed in the Indo-Gothic style. The display of statues showing the life story of Buddha is particularly impressive and attracts both local and foreign visitors.

Similarly, Islamabad is home to the ‘Pakistan Monument Museum’, which is part of the Pakistan Monument Complex. This museum is more modern in nature and presents a timeline of Pakistan’s history from the independence movement to present-day achievements. Through interactive exhibits and visual storytelling, it highlights the struggle for freedom and the nation’s progress in different fields. It is particularly attractive to young visitors and students because of its multimedia presentations and modern layout.

In addition to the larger national museums, Pakistan also has several specialised and regional museums that celebrate local history, arts, and culture. The ‘Lok Virsa Museum’ in Islamabad is one such example. It focuses on Pakistan’s diverse cultural traditions and showcases the crafts, music, and lifestyles of various ethnic groups. Traditional dresses, household items, and musical instruments are displayed in beautiful settings that reflect village life across different regions. Lok Virsa also regularly holds cultural festivals, craft fairs, and musical performances, making it a vibrant centre for cultural education.

The ‘Bahawalpur Museum’ in southern Punjab tells the story of the former princely state of Bahawalpur and the history of the region. It contains historical records, coins, manuscripts, and a large collection of Islamic art. ‘The Harappa Museum’, located near the archaeological site of Harappa, focuses on the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation and displays pottery, jewellery, tools, and skeletons unearthed from the site.

Despite having some great museums, the irony is that museums in Pakistan are not in great shape. Many struggle with outdated facilities, limited funding, poor conservation practices, and low visitor turnout. Artefacts are often not properly preserved due to the lack of climate control, and exhibitions may lack proper labelling or information. Staff is sometimes undertrained, and in some cases, important items have been lost or stolen over time. There is also limited investment in digital transformation, which could help the museums reach younger audiences through virtual tours and educational programmes.

However, recently steps have been taken in a bid to modernise museums. For instance, the Lahore Museum and the National Museum in Karachi have started digitalising their collections. The Pakistan Monument Museum offers audio guides, while Lok Virsa has introduced e-learning tools for schools. Public-private partnerships and support from the international organisations can also help improve the state of museums in Pakistan.

Museums: Custodians of history and culture

Museums are more than just collections of objects. They are spaces where we can learn, reflect, and find inspiration. They are places where the young can connect with their roots and where tourists can discover the beauty and depth of Pakistan’s history and culture. Museums show respect for different cultures and promote dialogue between civilisations. This is especially relevant in a country as diverse as Pakistan, where many ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups coexist. Museums have the potential to bring people together by celebrating shared heritage and promoting mutual understanding.

There is also great potential for museums to contribute to tourism and the economy. Cultural tourism is a growing trend around the world, and Pakistan, with its unique archaeological sites and historic landmarks, can attract visitors from across the globe. Investing in museum infrastructure, improving accessibility, and offering engaging experiences can turn these institutions into key attractions for both domestic and international tourists.

To make this possible, it is important that museums are given the attention they deserve. Governments, civil society, educators, and communities must work together to protect these important spaces. Awareness campaigns, school trips, interactive workshops, and storytelling sessions can help build interest and appreciation for museums among young people. Volunteers and researchers can also contribute to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.

As Pakistan continues to grow and develop, it must also protect the footprints of its past. Museums are guardians of history, and every object they house tells a story. Their quiet halls are filled with voices from the past, and it is our responsibility to ensure those voices are heard by generations to come.

The writer is a seasoned journalist and a communications professional. He can be reached at tariqkik@gmail.com