Field guides / Islamabad Capital Territory / Islamabad / Islamabad Museum
Field guide · Heritage
Islamabad
Islamabad District · Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Islamabad Museum
The federal archaeology museum in Islamabad, telling Pakistan's story from 2-million-year-old Soan valley tools to Gandharan sculpture and Mughal art.
The Islamabad Museum, opened in September 2002, is run by the Federal Department of Archaeology and Museums. Its galleries follow Pakistan's past in order: some of the earliest tools made by humans, about two million years old, from the Soan valley; nine-thousand-year-old objects from Mehrgarh in Balochistan; finds of the Indus Valley Civilization; and the sculpture of Gandhara. Kot Diji, the Gandhara Grave Culture, Bhanbhore and Thatta each have their place, and the later rooms hold astrolabes, miniature paintings and manuscripts of the Mughal period, early Muslim pottery and Chinese wares.
Why go
- ✦Pakistan's story in order, from the Stone Age to the Mughals
- ✦Soan valley tools about two million years old
- ✦Mehrgarh, the Indus cities and Gandharan sculpture
Visiting today
A good first stop before touring Taxila, Swat or Mehrgarh: in a couple of hours the galleries lay out the whole sweep of Pakistan's history, from the Stone Age to the Mughals.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, Any time of year, since it is indoors, and especially welcome on a hot May afternoon or a monsoon day. Check opening days and hours with the Department of Archaeology and Museums (051-9252516) before you go.
Getting there, In Islamabad; run by the Federal Department of Archaeology and Museums, whose office is at the Sir Syed Memorial Building, Atta-Turk Avenue, G-5/1.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Islamabad Museum, within 5 km.
