National Art Gallery, Islamabad (must see)

The National Art Gallery is one of Pakistan’s main spaces for visual art and cultural programming. Opened to the public in 2007, it became the country’s first national art gallery and now operates under the Pakistan National Council of the Arts. Its creation took almost three decades, delayed by politics, funding problems, and changing priorities.

The building was designed by Naeem Pasha, an important architect and art patron who also founded Rohtas Gallery. Instead of using white marble like many nearby state buildings, the gallery was built in brick, drawing on Mughal brickwork and corbelling while keeping a modern form. Its compact, cube-like design reflects the influence of Mies van der Rohe, with clean geometry, practical planning, and simple interior lines.

A large central courtyard forms the heart of the building. It brings natural light into the inner galleries and helps guide visitors through a circular route across several levels. From different points, visitors can look across the courtyard and see artworks, balconies, and exhibition spaces from changing angles. The gallery includes multiple halls, studios, archives, lecture spaces, and areas for performance and public events.

The collection and exhibitions introduce visitors to many sides of Pakistani art. Works by figures such as Sadequain and Ustad Allah Bux connect the gallery to modern calligraphy, landscape painting, and national art history. Temporary exhibitions often include photography, sculpture, installation, and experimental work. Although it is a state-supported institution, the gallery has also shown bold and socially engaged art, including pieces that address politics, identity, public memory, and urban change.