National History Museum opens to public on July 1

LAHORE : The Citizens Archive of Pakistan, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of Pakistan’s history and culture, hosted a curated walk-through of the brand new National History Museum, a project of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Lahore, the government of Punjab.

The chief minister had inaugurated the museum in April 2018, which cost Rs 500 million rupees. Since then, the museum has hosting regular public school tours in collaboration with the Punjab School Education Department. The museum is set to open its doors to the rest of the public on July 1, 2018.

Two-time Academy Award-winning film-maker and patron-in-chief for The Citizens Archive of Pakistan, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy said, “The story of Pakistan is the story of her people and their struggle, and for the first time, a museum has been established to pay homage to the first generation of the nation. The oral histories, photographs, videos and interactive museum exhibits have all been culled from The Citizens Archive of Pakistan. We cannot wait to share them with young and old alike. The National History Museum is a place of introspection to understand who we are as a nation and where we come from.”

Ace photographer, director and president of The Citizens Archive of Pakistan Amean J. has said, “The National History Museum in Lahore will remind us of the determination our forefathers had for independence; elderly will be reminded of the sacrifices they made during Partition. Children will be motivated to envision a thriving future for Pakistan. A state-of-the-art museum in the country will instigate pride in all generations and peoples of all walks of life.”

Digital in nature, the museum is the first of its kind in the country. State-of-the-art technology has been used to ensure an interactive and immersive experience to the visitors. Virtual reality, cinema, hologram, and an amphitheatre are just some to remember the exciting features of this museum that ensure a holistic experience to the visitors.

The National History Museum takes you on a journey through the history of Pakistan. It commemorates major events leading up to the 1947 Partition, including the Lahore Resolution and Gandhi-Jinnah talks, followed by the journey to Pakistan, which marks the largest migration ever witnessed.

This side of the newly formed border of the subcontinent is brought to life; the switch from refugee to the citizen, formation of the first government of Pakistan, and emergence of Pakistan’s own unique identity via its popular culture and sports are all featured in the museum. The heroes and extraordinary women of the country are also celebrated in the exhibits dedicated to them.

Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Director General Mian Shakeel Ahmad said, “A landmark project of PHA, the National History Museum provides a unique opportunity to the public, especially the youth, to experience the creation of Pakistan, and celebrate the heroes and heroines who played a pivotal role in making the idea of Pakistan a reality. The museum has everything which a history lover can dream of.”

Set in the locales of the glorious Greater Iqbal Park, the museum is a unique and pioneering initiative which encourages visitors to actively engage with Pakistan’s diverse history and culture.

PHA and CAP have aimed to make it a place of exploration, education and enjoyment, as a testament to the shared commitment to advancements in education, preservation of heritage and promotion of culture. Amna Taseer, Nusrat Jamil and many others attended the event.