As Pakistan's very first national art gallery, the National Art Gallery in Islamabad offers a fascinating modern cultural stop situated on a small hillock opposite the Parliament of Pakistan (Majlis-e-Shoora) and the President's House (Aiwan-e-Sadr). Opened to the public in August 2007, the facility is part of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). You will appreciate its striking architecture right away: a modernistic brick cube designed by architects Suhail Abbasi and Naeem Pasha, inspired by Miesian purity and functionality.
Covering an expansive 1,800 square yards across four storeys, the venue features 14 distinct galleries with adjacent display areas. Beyond visual art, the gallery complex houses an array of modern facilities including lecture halls, workshop areas, laboratories, and a library. It also functions as a performing arts hub, boasting a 400-seat auditorium, fully equipped stage facilities, a theatre, and an open-air theatre.
Overseen over the years by directors such as Naeem Tahir and Jamal Shah, the institution also engages in broad outreach, such as organizing folk artiste train tours across the country. Step inside to experience Pakistan's premier space dedicated to national artistic expression and creative heritage.
What to see at National Art Gallery, Pakistan
- Modernistic brick cube architecture designed by Suhail Abbasi and Naeem Pasha
- 14 galleries with adjacent display areas spanning four storeys
- 400-seat auditorium, theatre, and open-air theatre facilities
- On-site library, lecture halls, laboratories, and workshop space
- Part of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA)
Visiting tips
Take time to appreciate both the visual art galleries and the building's striking Miesian brick cube architecture situated right across from Pakistan's Parliament.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
National Art Gallery, Pakistan is easy to reach on Islamabad’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Faisal Mosque and Lal Masjid. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Islamabad travel guide.
See the full Islamabad travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.