Located in Burns Garden in Karachi, Pakistan, the National Museum of Pakistan offers you an incredible look into the region's rich cultural heritage. Originally established at Frere Hall in 1951 before shifting to its purpose-built home in 1970, this public museum has grown to house eleven distinct galleries. When you visit, you will encounter remarkable treasures spanning thousands of years of history.
Explore artifacts from the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, including famous stamp seals, terracotta toys, and the iconic Priest-King statue discovered at Mohenjo-daro. You can admire Gandhara civilization sculptures, Islamic art, miniature paintings, and rare political manuscripts. Don't miss the Quran Gallery, which displays around 52 rare manuscripts from a collection of over 300 copies.
Walk through the Ethnological Gallery to view life-size statues representing diverse ethnicities from Pakistan's four provinces, or inspect historic Muslim clothing, glassware, and pottery works. History enthusiasts will appreciate personal artifacts belonging to national heroes, such as Quaid-e-Azam's sword, Allama Iqbal's chair, and Liaqat Ali Khan's watch. Featuring a collection of 58,000 old coins and tens of thousands of archaeological publications, the museum provides you with an authentic, comprehensive journey through the profound history and enduring art of Pakistan.
What to see at National Museum of Pakistan
- Artifacts from Mohenjo-daro, including the famous Priest-King statue and stamp seals
- The Quran Gallery featuring around 52 rare manuscripts on public display
- Personal items of national heroes, including Quaid-e-Azam's sword and Allama Iqbal's chair
- An Ethnological Gallery showcasing life-size statues of ethnicities from all four provinces
- An extensive coin collection boasting 58,000 old coins, some dating back to 74 Al-Hijra
Visiting tips
If you visit during National Days, look out for special temporary exhibitions hosted on site.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
National Museum of Pakistan is easy to reach on Karachi’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Mazar-e-Quaid. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Karachi travel guide.
See the full Karachi travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.