Whether you are a history buff with an interest in anthropology or just love and admire arts, the museums in Islamabad have something for everyone in their historic displays. From boasting life-size displays of extinct animals to promoting exhibits preserving our cultural heritage, these museums are not just popular among students and researchers but are also considered some of the major tourist attractions in Islamabad.
Although there is no shortage of fun things to do in Islamabad, you must make sure to visit at least a few of these museums on your next trip. If you already live there, make sure to take some time out during the weekend and explore these places.
Museums in Islamabad Everyone Must Visit At Least Once
Here are the most popular museums in Islamabad you should add to your list of places to visit.
- Lok Virsa Museum
- Pakistan Monument Museum
- Pakistan Museum of Natural History
- Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum
Let’s take a look at the location, timings, history, displays and exhibits at these museums.
Lok Virsa Museum
Heritage Museum, most commonly known as Lok Virsa Museum, is the first state museum of ethnology in Pakistan. Established in 1982 as Folk Art Museum, this museum displays the cultural heritage of the country. The unique exhibits showcase the art, traditions and lifestyles of various ethnic groups in different parts of Pakistan throughout history. It is managed by Lok Virsa – National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage.
Spread over an area of more than 11 kanal, Lok Virsa Museum is considered to be one of the largest museums in Pakistan. It comprises several buildings along with an outdoor museum that has the capacity to accommodate up to 3000 people at a time. The beautiful displays at this cultural museum include textile work, pottery, life-size sculptures, artwork, paintings and pictures capturing the life in cities as well as remote areas.
Heritage Museum is located on the picturesque Shakarparian Hills and is a popular destination among tourists. It is also an ideal place for school field trips.
Address: Garden Avenue, Shakarparian, Islamabad.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closes for prayer break from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM every Friday)
Contact: 051-9249200
Pakistan Monument Museum
An extension of the iconic Pakistan Monument located on the west of Shakarparian Hills, Pakistan Monument Museum tops the list of museums in Islamabad. Established in 2010, this incredible museum pays tribute to those who sacrificed their lives fighting for the country and illustrate the important events that led to the independence of Pakistan.
Situated just across from the majestic monument shaped like a blooming flower, the stunning Pakistan Monument Museum aka Islamabad Museum houses various historical exhibits, life-like wax sculptures of prominent figures, stunning paintings and much more. To put it simply, this museum captures everything from the advent of Islam in the sub-continent to the creation of Pakistan.
This museum also houses an Audio Visual Center, a reference library and a conference hall that can seat more than 60 people. It is also managed by Lok Virsa – National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage and is a must-visit for people of all ages. It is also considered the only wax museum in Pakistan.
Address: Pakistan Monument, Shakarparian, Islamabad.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closes for prayer break from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM every Friday)
Contact: 051-9249200
Pakistan Museum of Natural History
The incredible Pakistan Museum of Natural History is a public natural history museum managed by the Pakistan Science Foundation under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It was established in 1976 and is divided into four sections: Botanical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Zoological Sciences and Public Services.
The exhibits at the Pakistan Museum of Natural History include Biological Gallery, Ecological Gallery, Paleontology Gallery, Tethys Gallery and Virtual Orientation Gallery. The grand museum on Shakarparian, one of the best parks in Islamabad, aims to educate people about the natural history of Pakistan. Along with displays showcasing fossils, rocks, specimens of various animals and wild flora and fauna, the museum also houses life-size sculptures of extinct species.
Easily one of the best museums in Islamabad, PMNH also functions as a research centre. Its Public Services Division also holds workshops, lectures, seminars and other activities to educate the public about preservation and identification of plants, animals, mineral resources and much more.
Although this museum should be on everyone’s must-visit list, it is one of the best places for children as it allows them to learn about the natural wealth of Pakistan in a fun and interactive way.
Address: Garden Avenue, Shakarparian, Islamabad.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Closed on Fridays)
Contact: 051-9249239
Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum
The recently renovated Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum is one of the most unique museums in Islamabad housing artefacts dating back to the inception of railways in the subcontinent during the British colonial era. Located near Sector E-11 on Golra Road, this museum is more commonly known as Golra Sharif Railway Museum.
Established in 2003 on the Golra Sharif Junction Railway Station, which connects the southern cities to Peshawar, this beautiful and vibrant museum has also become an important tourist attraction in the city. Over the years, it has also gained popularity for being showcased in several movies and advertising campaigns.
Pakistan Railways Museum houses almost 150 years of railway history. Some of the historical items in the museum include decades steam and electric locomotives, a saloon car used by the last Viceroy of India Lord Mountbatten and another saloon car that belonged to Maharaja of Jodhpur. Visitors can also see century-old trolleys, coaches, tracks and locomotives that are essentially extinct now.
Even if you think you don’t have any particular interest in trains, you must plan a trip to this railway heritage museum because there is no chance that you would be bored. If you have kids, make sure to take them along for an educational visit.
Address: Golra Road, Islamabad.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Contact: 051-4316954
If you are visiting the federal capital for the first time, you should also take a look at our list of the most popular places to visit in Islamabad at night. Moreover, don’t forget to check out the overview of public transportation in the capital city if you plan on travelling via buses.
You can send us your suggestions and queries at blog@zameen.com. For more information about what to do and where to go in Islamabad, head over to Zameen Blog – the best lifestyle blog in Pakistan.
