Mohatta Palace Museum & Gallery

Hatim Alvi Road, near Do Talwar roundabout,0ld Clifton, (tel. 583-7669). Open: 10:00 am-6:00 pm, Monday closed. Entry: Free.

This impressive 1920s mansion, a protected historic structure, which lay vacant and neglected for many years, has finally been restored and refurbished. The building is now used for mounting exhibitions related to Pakistan's moveable cultural property, and makes a fine setting for such displays. Normally, the Gallery is open for viewing for three months, and closed for one month during the time that an exhibition is being organized.

The building, due to its historic character is worth viewing even from outside; however, since the building can not be entered during its one-month long closure, if your intention is to view its galleries, it is best to check before embarking on a trip there.

National Museum of Pakistan

Shahra-e-Kamal Ata Turk (King's Way), (tel. 262-8280,263-9930). Open: 10:00 am-l:00pm, 2:00-5:00 pm, Friday 10:00 am-12:00 noon, Wednesday closed. Entry Fee: Rs. 4/Adult; Rs. 2/Child; free entry for school children.

Karachi's National Museum is rated to house the best collection of a range of artifacts representing the cultural heritage of Pakistan. Located in the historic Burnes Gardens, the building was built during the 1960s to house the collection of artifacts which was shifted from the first museum of Karachi, the Indo-Gothic Frere Hall. The historic garden, named after Dr. James Burnes, brother of famed Alexander Burnes originally covered an area of 26.2 acres.

Although some artifacts have been transferred to Islamabad, National Museum still boasts a significant collection. You will find galleries displaying Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization), Gandhara Art, Islamic Art, Mughal-period Miniatures, Ancient Coins and Manuscripts and a Gallery exclusively devoted to rare copies of the Quran.

PAF (Pakistan Air Force) Museum

PAF Base Faisal, off Shara-e-Faisal, opp. Karsaz Intersection, (tel. 111 -444-222,921 -8326 ext. 2481 & 2483). Open: Daily 10:00 am-10:00 pm. Entry Fee: Rs.20/Adult; Rs. 10/Child; Student & Defense title="PAF Museums"Personnel; Free entry for Senior Citizens, Special Persons.

The Museum is a remarkable achievement for the preservation of the history of Pakistan Air Force, and will be of particular interest to aviation buffs. The PAF Museum has well-thought out displays of vintage and historic aircraft. It was designed and built with an aim to make it "the window of the history of the PAF" and a setting where "children would dream that impossible dream."

The Museum, which opened its doors in 1997, presently occupies over 27 acres of the 80 acres allocated for it. In the lush green, seemingly open countryside in the midst of the bustling city of Karachi, 28 aircraft are displayed. The huge hangar, which is the focal point of the displays, houses the rare relic of the Viking, the aircraft used by Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah, as well as an Indian Gnat which was forced to land during the 1965 Indo-Pak War. Among other displays are DH-82 Tiger Moth, Auster, F-86 Sabre, F-6 Farmer, U-MIG-15, Mirage, H-43 Huskie, T-33T-Bird, Q-2 (Quickee-2) and PL-2.

The Museum has four air-conditioned galleries dedicated to specific themes: History of Aerial Warfare demonstrated through model aircraft and paintings; Fighter aircraft models of the World; Shohada (martyrs) of 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistan Wars. Two other galleries exhibit rare photographs, reprints, and paintings demonstrating the achievement of different P.A.F. squadrons. An interesting aspect of the Museum is the Multimedia Kiosk, which provides all information regarding different aspects of P.A.F. through touch-screen interactive technology, allowing the viewer to explore the text, image, audio and video on the subject of his or her choice.

There is a cafe and souvenir shop on the premises. School/Institutional Tours and Guided Tour facilities are available.

Pakistan Maritime Museum

Habib Ibrahim Rehmatullah Road, Karsaz, (tel. 566-33046,494-2188). Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00am-12:00 noon, 3:00-10:00 pm; Saturday, Sunday 10:00am-10:00 pm; Wednesday closed. Entry Fee: Rs. 16/ Adult; Rs.6/Child & Student.

This museum is among the best museums of the country with well-organized displays and presentations. Among its several galleries are the Maritime History Gallery, Ports and Harbours Gallery, Marine Life Gallery and Naval Gallery. Maritime History Gallery exhibits include Moenjodaro riverine trade, ancient trade routes, Muhammad bin Qasim's attack on Debal, early Muslim navigational instruments as well as a rare metallic armour dating from 8th century. Ports and Harbours Gallery displays a diorama of Karachi's harbour, surrounding settlements of the channel and once-flourishing mangroves. Marine Life Gallery provides information on coral and marine life through special displays, while the Naval Gallery exhibits vintage naval equipment and represents Pakistan Navy's achievement in war through models and photographs. The most interesting part of the museum are its outdoor displays which include a replica of the historic Light House Tower at Manora (see Rahguzar 6, Chapter 6), and a Mine sweeper and Midget Submarine anchored in the lake. You can climb the Lighthouse and enjoy looking through the periscope of the submarine.

The museum carries several artworks executed by reputed artists of the country. There is a cafe and souvenir shop on the premises. Group activities and guided tours are organized for young visitors between the ages of 5 and 15.

Quaid-e-Azam's Relics

There are four venues displaying relics relating to the founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Quaid-e-Azam House Museum

Fatima Jinnah Road (Bonus Road). Open: 9:00 am-l:00 pm, 2:00-4:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am-12:00 noon, Wednesday closed. Entry: Free.

This is the latest building to be declared a museum displaying belongings of Jinnah. This house dates from the late nineteenth century and was earlier known as Flagstaff House. It was bought by Jinnah in 1944. After Independence in 1947, all of Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah's belongings from his houses in Bombay and Delhi were brought and placed in this house. Although Quaid-e-Azam never lived here, since he died while still in office, this is where he would have lived after his retirement from office. The house was declared national heritage in 1985 and restored to its original condition. Various relics of Jinnah which had been stored in Mohatta Palace were reclaimed, scientifically treated and restored for public display. Jinnah's furniture and other items of use are displayed in various rooms of the house as he would have used them. Drawing room. Study, Bedroom etc. display furniture, book shelves, carpets, objet d'art, telephone, and other items with Jinnah's insignia etc.

Quaid-e-Azam's Mausoleum (Afazaar-e-Quaid-e-Azam). M.A. Jinnah Road (Bunder Road)

The Mausoleum is a white marble structure built to house the mortal remains of Mohammad Ali Jinnah. The landmark building is built on a high podium in the midst of a large garden, still to be fully landscaped. It is in a commanding position and is visible from a considerable distance.

An international competition was held for the design of the Mausoleum during the the late 1950s; however, it is said that the preference of Mohtarma Patima Jinnah (sister of Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah) for Sultanate-period architecture outweighed thejudgement of the architectural jury, due to which selection of this particular design was made.

A colourful ceremony of the 'Changing of the Guard' takes place three times a day. The marble sarcophagus is visited by hundreds of people who come to offer fateha (prayers) for him. A silver railing forms the barrier, against which wreaths are laid. An enormous four-tiered crystal chandelier, that dominates the interior of the Mausoleum, is a gift of the Peoples' Republic of China, commemorating Pakistan's bond with the Chinese people.

Nearby are buried the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan, assassinated in October 1950, and Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah.

On all public festivals and events, the Mausoleum is the focus of attention when people from all walks of life visit it to offer their respects.

Aiwan-e-Nawadarat-e-Qua'it'i-e-Azam (House of Relics Of Quaid-e-Azam)

Quaid-e-Azam's Mousoleum, M.A. Jinnah Road (Bunder Road). Open: 9:00 am-12:45 pm & 2:00-3:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am-12:00 noon, Sunday closed. Entry: Free, but Identity Card (for Pakistanis) and Passport (for foreigners) required.

Various items belonging to the Father of the Nation are displayed in this Museum. Two of his cars, clothes, crockery, office and bedroom furniture, pictures etc. can be found here.

Wazir Mansion

Fakhr Matri Road (Newnham Road). Open: 9:00 am-l:00 pm, 2:00-4:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am-12:00 noon, Wednesday closed. Entry: Free.

This building is the birthplace of Quaid-e-Azam Jinnah. Although parts of the house have been reconstructed, it is a protected building which is located in one of the oldest parts of the city, Kharadar, in Bunder Quarter. The remarkable law-maker that Jinnah was all through his life is evident from the large number of his law books housed here; while his habit of immaculate dressing when representing his cases in court is apparent from the collection of shirts, collars, ties, pin-stripe suits etc. displayed here. Also on display are his furniture, walking stick, pipes, and other items related to his life.

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