Lok Virsa Museum, Islamabad

The Lok Virsa Museum, also known as the Heritage Museum, is a premier institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan. Located on the Shakarparian Hills in Islamabad, the museum was initially established as the Folk Art Museum in 1982. Following extensive renovation and upgrades in 2004, it was renamed the Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology.

This museum is unique in Pakistan as it focuses on ethnology, presenting both the history and living traditions of the country's diverse population, including communities from remote regions. Unlike many archaeological museums in Pakistan, which reflect a colonial past, the Heritage Museum aims to educate and inspire current and future generations by highlighting the nation's cultural wealth.

The museum spans 60,000 square feet, making it the largest museum in Pakistan. It comprises several exhibit halls and an outdoor museum capable of accommodating up to 3,000 visitors, enhancing Islamabad's attractions as the federal capital.

The Lok Virsa Museum features an impressive collection of traditional handicrafts, including embroidered costumes, ancient jewelry, and intricate woodcarvings. It also hosts a reference library with extensive resources on history, art, crafts, traditional music, and ethnography. Visitors can purchase books and media on folk and classical music at the museum's bookshop.