Karachi is not only a port city, it is also a hub of many artists, thinkers and intellectuals. The metropolis has the honour of producing gems like Amin Gulgee, an internationally recognized sculptor and painter. The city has also been associated with art connoisseurs like Sadequain, whose calligraphic paintings are famous the world over. Sadequain rendered his last calligraphic painting on the ceiling of Frere Hall – one of the most-visited historical buildings in Karachi. The large mural depicting ‘Arz-o-Samawaat’—the earth and skies—holds great significance. It was the last mural by the great painter, as he died while painting it. He is buried at Sakhi Hasan graveyard. K-Town’s art scene is slowly evolving, incorporating modern and contemporary trends into its fold. There are plenty of art galleries in Karachi exhibiting art of celebrated and famous Pakistani painters and artists. Check out Pakistan’s burgeoning art scene with our pick of the best art galleries in Karachi. Art-lovers frequent these galleries from all over Pakistan.
Modern Art Galleries In Karachi
- Clifton Art Gallery
- State Bank of Pakistan Museum & Art Gallery
- V.M. Art Gallery
- Koel Art Gallery
- Art Scene Galleries
- Canvas Gallery
Clifton Art Gallery
Clifton Art Gallery started its operations in 1991 with an objective to promote Pakistani paintings in the global arena. They also have plans to host lectures on diverse subjects of art and culture, showcasing the works of celebrated artists of Pakistan. An exhibition of a huge variety of miniature, abstract, landscape and figurative paintings are usually held from time to time. Moreover, the gallery has a section called “Master Collection”—a unique set of paintings by famous artists. These works are sold and shipped worldwide. Solo exhibitions of esteemed painters are also a regular feature of the gallery. Saeed Akhtar, a famed artist and a Sitara-e-Imtiaz recipient, held his solo exhibition at Clifton Art Gallery.
Drawing interest from a wide variety of art connoisseurs and painters, Clifton Art Gallery is one of the best art galleries in Karachi, located in Clifton. They also give 15% off on all purchases to encourage art-enthusiasts to buy their favourite paintings at a reasonable price. For distinguished collectors or first-time buyers, a visit to Clifton Art Gallery is a worthwhile experience.
Name: Akbar Pasha
Contact Number: 0315-3866275
Email: Cliftonartgallery@yahoo.com
State Bank of Pakistan Museum and Art Gallery
Once the Imperial Bank of India—reflecting colonial architecture—is now home to a monetary museum. It not only exhibits rare coins and currency notes, but also an exclusive art gallery, dedicated to the internationally acclaimed painter Sadequain. The museum’s mezzanine floor is home to four magnificent murals by the celebrated artist. It is perhaps one of the largest collections of Sadequain’s paintings. The columns are decorated by his collages, and there is a small room in the gallery which provides a glimpse into his life. A treasure trove for art fanatics, State Bank of Pakistan Museum displays a synopsis of Sadequain’s works, along with his hand-written messages.
There’s one mural, in particular, which warrants special mention: ‘Treasures of Time.’ Displayed on a huge 60 by 8-inch canvas; it features 46 thinkers who have made significant contributions to the world.
Address: I.I. Chundrigar Road, State Bank of Pakistan
Contact: 111-727-111
Visiting Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM and 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM (Lunch Break), closed on Sundays
V.M. Art Gallery
Our list would be incomplete without the mention of this popular art gallery in Karachi.
Rangoonwala Trust, through its project of the V.M Art Gallery, has been playing an active part in supporting art in the country. The gallery was established in 1987. With the rise of modern and contemporary art in Pakistan, it has been highlighting the works and profiles of emerging artists for decades now.
V.M. Art is a popular venue for both artists and art-lovers. It is committed to developing new discourses in Pakistani art and also expand its scope for the emerging talent in this field. Young graduates of various art institutes usually launch their careers by exhibiting their paintings here.
Address: ZVMG Rangoonwala Community Centre, Dhoraji Colony
Contact: 021-34948088
Visiting Hours: Mon – Sat 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Koel Art Gallery
In 2009, Koel Art Gallery was just a group of accomplished artists and architects passionate about highlighting art in Pakistan. They say, “Many hours were spent in the courtyard under the champa tree with Habib Fida Ali, Arshad Faruqui, Amean J and beloved Ussman Ghauri – the most enthusiastic and determined amongst all to make Koel Gallery different from the rest. We discussed at length and elaborated on what Koel’s mission statement should be. It became: “To bridge the divide between the Arts and Crafts.”
Koel Art Gallery, a part of Koel Café has a special space for exhibitions, both for arts and crafts where designers and artists share a common platform. The Gallery is surrounded by trees in a peaceful environment where the birds chirp and natural light floods in, illuminating the gallery – where art mingles with nature – leaving a lasting impression in the minds of its visitors. Many exhibitions are held here from time to time.
Address: F-42/2, Block 4, Clifton
Contact: 021- 35831292
Visiting Hours: Mon – Sat 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Art Scene Galleries
Art Scene Galleries is known as one of the leading art galleries in Karachi. It was established 12 years ago with an aim to preserve master pieces of art created by legends of the time and also showcase the young talent of amateur artists in the city. The Gallery aspires to promote art and talented artists who are part of our culturally rich society on an international level. It has organized curate shows in Australian Art Fair, Malaysian Art Fair, Singapore Art Fair and Dubai Art Fair in the past couple of years. It also has the honour of being the first Pakistani Art Gallery that took part in Melbourne’s Art Fair, Australia in 2012. Art Scene Galleries is one of the most popular art galleries in Karachi. It has a huge collection of paintings and sculptures by legends, professional and upcoming artists whose works of art are reflective of creativity and originality.
Address: F 39/1 Clifton Block 4
Contact: 021- 3537 1915
Visiting Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Canvas Gallery
Founded in 1999, Canvas is a top art gallery in Karachi. It is committed to promote art and artists in Pakistan.
Canvas believes that art of any place is a means to express, a tool to communicate ideas related to social structure, culture and history. The gallery regularly teams up with art institutions, museums and international galleries. It is also one of the pioneer institutions where Artist Residency Programs are held.
Canvas Gallery has a unique collection of sculptures, paintings and digital prints. It has earned a high reputation in the field of art in Pakistan. Canvas Art Gallery has also curated Pakistani art shows in the Far East, Middle East, USA and UK. Hosting around couple of shows a month, the gallery has an ever growing inventory of original works by more than 100 artists.
Address: D-40/1,Kehkashan Block 4, Clifton
Contact: 021-35861523
Visiting Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; closed on Sundays
So, this was our list of the most famous art galleries in Karachi. For tourists, especially those visiting for the first time, these places should be on the must-visit list. In case you’re planning to come to the city, then check out our detailed piece on how to spend 24 hours in Karachi. For more updates, keep visiting the best lifestyle blog in Pakistan.
