HISTORY, THEORY AND CRITICISM

MADIHA IFTIKHAR
2016-ARCH-18
 NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LAHORE.
Area:35000 sq. ft
Year: 2018
Architect: Marvi Mazhar
Client: Parks and horticulture authority (PHA), government of the Punjab, Lahore.
Building type: public building
Location: greater Iqbal park Lahore.
National history museum is the Pakistan’s first-ever
digital museum. Located in the greater Iqbal park Lahore
has made it a greater tourist’s attraction. It is the project
of parks and horticulture authority, government of the
Punjab, Lahore. Completed in April 2018 it was opened
for public in July 2018. The Government of Punjab is
committed towards making advancements in
education, preservation of heritage and the promotion
of culture. Together the Parks and Horticultural
Authority (PHA) and Citizens Archive of Pakistan (CAP) made the National History Museum a
space of exploration, education and enjoyment, where our ideology and struggle for
Independence are preserved and celebrated. The museum takes people through the history
of Pakistan from 1940 to 1960, celebrating the Lahore Resolution of 1940 and highlighting
the achievements, heroes and heroines of our great nation.

BUILDING FORM:

EXTERIOR

Museum has a circular form having distinct volumes. Exterior of the building has distinct
volumes that is one basic semi-circle placed in the center and the two incomplete circles
surrounding the central circle.
 Ariel view of NHM Lahore exterior volumes

INTERIOR

Interior of the building is divided in different compartments using wooden partitions. Each
compartment is depicting the different historical aspect. Hall-1 contains exhibits chronicling
the entry of the East India Company into the Subcontinent, a timeline of important Pakistan
Movement events and audio-visual displays showcasing the historic Lahore Resolution,
Gandhi-Jinnah talks, the 3rd June plan and the Indian Independence Act of 1947.

Gandhi Jinnah talks

journey to Pakistan

Hall-2, shows the oral history of Pakistan using the voices of common citizens who witnessed
the cruelties of migration. The hall also contains a video display covering the bloody riots of
1947.

Video display room

riots 1947
Hall-3 displays the wahga station and the refugee camp at the outset od independence and
chronicling the formation of the government and armed forces of Pakistan. A booth with a
special digital camera in this section allows visitors to take a black and white photograph with
the Quaid-e-Azam or other independence leaders. The hall also contains a 3D-animation
based virtual reality display that take us back in time to witness the hardships Muslim
migrants from India faced.

3d animation display train refugee camps

Hall-4 focuses on Pakistan’s popular culture, taking visitors on journey showcasing the
country’s fledgling movie industry, the evolution of its music industry and traditional artifacts.
Visitors can choose to listen to classic Pakistani songs or watch clips from popular Pakistani
movies.

Old movies posters

famous film personalities
Hall-5 shows the history of sports in Pakistan along with other displays showcasing young
Pakistani historians’ work. The NHM also contains a Heroes Gallery which displays sketched
portraits and busts of Pakistan’s national heroes.

Sports
historian’s work

FUNCTION:

The function of the building is museum. It is the history museum depicting country’s significant
history, dating from 1857 to 1947. The exterior amphitheater is also being used for the different
events. Events like qawwali night, sham e Urdu, science fuse and th open air cinema have been
held in the amphitheater.it also organizes different talk series, workshops and the
competitions.

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE:

National history museum is built on post modern architectural style. Traditional elements like
aches are being used in the exterior part of the building. Open air amphitheater is built in the
exterior part of the museum. Exterior skin is treated with stones in grey tones. Amphitheater is
completely in red bricks.
 Arches and pillars distinct volumes

MATERIALS:

Building structure is made up of bricks. Interior has marble tile floor and open ceiling. Wood
panels and pillars are being used in the interior for partitions. Red bricks are being used in the
amphitheater.

National history museum is postmodern style public building functioning as museum.