IN THIS POST:
–More About the Quaid-e-Azam Museum
–Location of the Flag Staff House
–History of the museum
–Video Tour of the Flag Staff House
–Ticket Price
–Timings
–Nearby Restaurants
–Other Popular Places to Visit in Karachi
The legacy of Quaid-e-Azam, the founding father of Pakistan, will live forever. His dynamic leadership, efforts and determination resulted in the formation of a separate homeland for all those oppressed under the British Raj in the sub-continent. Even though he passed away in 1948, only a year after the independence of Pakistan, we can still take a closer look at some of his important valuables, allowing us to peek into an important part of our country’s history. Places around Pakistan, which remained in use of Muhammad Ali Jinnah or are somehow linked to him include Ziarat Residency (his rest house), Mazar-i-Quaid (his mausoleum), Wazir Mansion (his birthplace) and Quaid-e-Azam House Museum (where all of his important things have been kept on display).
In this blog, we’ll get to know more about Quaid-e-Azam Museum, Karachi, which is a national monument situated at a very famous location near the city centre.
So, let’s get started!
More About the Quaid-e-Azam House
Recognised as one of the most famous museums in Karachi, Quaid-e-Azam House Museum wasn’t always a museum, it was a place that Muhammad Ali Jinnah once called home. Everything of this magnificent yellow stone building speaks history, making it one of the most captivating historical attractions in Karachi. It’s a large mansion with an expansive lawn covering an area of 10,241 sq yds. It is also known as the Flagstaff House Museum of Jinnah.
Location of the Quaid-e-Azam Museum
Ideally constructed on a corner plot on the crossroads of Shahrah-e-Faisal, Fatima Jinnah Road and Zaibunissa Street, the Flagstaff House Museum of Jinnah is one of the most prominent historical attractions in Karachi. To get to Quaid-e-Azam Museum from DHA, PECHS and other prominent neighbourhoods of the city, you’ll have to take the route of Shahrah-e-Faisal while passing the intersections of Financial Trade Centre (FTC) building and Regent Plaza Hotel. Avari Towers and Hotel Mehran are two important landmarks found within walking distance, which are also the key highlights of the location of the Quaid-e-Azam Museum, Karachi.
History of the Quaid-e-Azam Museum, Karachi
The history of the Quaid-e-Azam Museum makes it one of the most interesting places to visit in Karachi. The building of this museum in Karachi was constructed in 1886 and was designed by Moses Somake, who was a renowned architect of the time. According to the available records, it was under the ownership of Mr. Sorab Kavasji Katrak, who was the then Mayor of Karachi, until Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah purchased it in the year 1943. Interestingly, at that time the tenants of this house were some of the leading officers of the British Army, who had these premises occupied even after Pakistan’s independence in 1947. When the tenants left, Jinnah’s personal belongings were transferred to the Flagstaff House.
Fatima Ali Jinnah, the sister of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, stayed in this house for around 16 years after the death of his brother. During this time, she successfully served the role of an active politician and took part in different election campaigns. She lived in this old mansion with the memories of his beloved brother till the last breath of her life.
Moving Around the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum
Released by the Antiquities Department, Sindh, the video above gives you a complete tour of the house and talk about its history. The Flagstaff House was fully renovated and equipped with some of the latest facilities when it was being converted into a museum to facilitate the visitors. Air Conditioning, CCTV Security Cameras, Burglar Alarm System and Film Projection Facility are some noteworthy facilities to be mentioned here.
Since Quaid-e-Azam House Museum is a spacious mansion it has been divided into different parts including the main building (which is centrally air-conditioned), an outhouse, an annex, a library and a beautiful garden with lush green plants.
Ticket Price of the Quaid-e-Azam Museum, Karachi
The best thing about Quaid-e-Azam House Museum is that it is one of the most affordable museums in Karachi. It’s pretty amazing considering how well maintained the museum is. Details about the ticket price of the Quaid-e-Azam Museum are as under.
Adult: Rs.20/-
Children (From 6 to 12 Years of Age): Rs.10/-
Foreigner: Rs.300/-
Note: The facility can be accessed by students in groups for free for research purposes. They only need to show their IDs at the entrance.
Timings of Quaid-e-Azam Museum
Let’s take a look at the timings of Quaid-e-Azam Museum
Thursday to Tuesday: (9 am till 5 pm)
Wednesday: (Closed)
Note: The above mentioned hours may vary on public holidays.
Popular Restaurants Near Quaid-e-Azam Museum
If you get peckish once you’re done with your trip to the Flagstaff House Museum of Jinnah, you’ll be only a few minutes away from Burns Road, one of the oldest and most famous food streets in Karachi, which has a cluster of eateries offering a variety of Karachi’s desi food specialities. Here’s a list of some popular restaurants near Quaid-e-Azam Museum:
- Waheed Kabab House
- Food Centre
- Agha Sajji
- Karachi Haleem
- Fresco
- Babu Bhai Bun Kabab
- Mazedar Haleem
- Lahori Chargha House
Other Popular Attractions to Visit With Family in Karachi
It seems like you will never run out of choices while looking for family attractions in Karachi. For instance, the city is home to some amazing water parks and weekend getaways. You will also come across many state-of-the-art amusement parks in the city like Bahria Adventure Land, which is a newly developed attraction in Bahria Town, Karachi.
Now that we have given you a complete overview of Quaid-e-Azam House Museum and talked about other places to visit in Karachi, it’s time for us to wrap up this blog. If you have been to this historical museum in Karachi, let us know about your experience at blog@zameen.com. We’re waiting to hear from you.
Moreover, if you are a travel junkie who only has a day to tour the City of Lights, you might also be interested in reading our blog in which we have listed down some fun things you can do in 24 hours in Karachi.
To read about other family attractions in Karachi, head over to Zameen Blog, the country’s best tourism and lifestyle blog. Keep a track of all the latest updates from our blog section by subscribing to our newsletter.
