Islamabad: Art, History and Parks

Islamabad offers a variety of experiences for a trip: art and history in museums, gardens and parks, as well as activities at Rawal Lake. This variety helps you tailor your stay to your interests and look for a suitable hotel for your trip to Islamabad.

Art and Museums in Islamabad

The National Art Gallery opened in August 2007. Its four-storey red-brick building stands on a hill in F-5/1. The gallery includes 14 exhibition halls, a modern auditorium, lecture rooms, studios and archives. It showcases both art from the cultural heritage and contemporary art.

The permanent collection includes more than 500 works by Abdul Rehman Chughtai, Sadequain, Ustad Allah Bux, Haji Muhammad Sharif, Hanif Ramay, Zubeida Agha, Anna Molka Ahmed and Gulgee. The range spans modern and contemporary art, as well as miniature art, calligraphy and abstract art. As a result, art in Islamabad encompasses both different forms of expression and works by numerous artists.

The Heritage Museum in Islamabad was founded as a folk art museum in 1982 and renovated in 2004. Its exhibition halls showcase folk culture, traditional ways of life, music, handicrafts and festivals. Everyday culture and festival traditions are thus a distinct focus alongside the National Art Gallery’s art collection.

The Pakistan Museum of Natural History presents natural history through exhibitions, displays and dioramas. It also features a life-size model of a large mammal for students and the public. These themes complement the art and folk culture topics with natural history.

Gardens and Outdoor Recreation

The Rose and Jasmine Garden offers a variety of roses and jasmine blossoms. The Shakarparian Hills are known for trees planted by various heads of state. Both give Islamabad’s gardens and landscape a distinct place in trip planning.

Fatima Jinnah Park has jogging tracks, gardens and recreational facilities. At Rawal Lake, Lake View Park offers boating, fishing and pedal boating. Check locally to see which of these activities are currently available. This way, you can distinguish between activities in the park and those on the water when planning your visit.

More Perspectives in the Islamabad Capital Territory

In the wider destination of the Islamabad Capital Territory, the Pakistan Monument stands as a national symbol of the unity of Pakistan’s provinces and territories. It also represents the Pakistan Movement and Pakistani culture. The Pakistan Monument Museum traces the nation’s history, from early civilizations through the struggle for independence and the founding of Pakistan to major developments since 1947. Dedicated areas commemorate Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Iqbal as founding visionaries.

The Pakistan Monument Museum includes a reference library, audiovisual archives, a conference hall and the 62-seat Panorama Auditorium. Facility availability may vary. The combination of national history, dedicated museum areas and additional facilities gives the Monument Museum a different focus from the art and folk culture museums.

The wider Islamabad Capital Territory also offers hiking opportunities in Margalla Hills National Park. Animals found in the park include leopards, deer and foxes. Trail 5 starts on Margalla Road in Sector F-5 and leads to the upper end of Pir Sohawa Road. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out. Daman-e-Koh is a recreational and picnic spot overlooking the city, especially at night.

For the broader travel overview: Islamabad.