The Lok Virsa Museum, also known as the Pakistan National Museum of Ethnology or Heritage Museum, is a premier cultural institution in Islamabad’s Shakarparian Hills. Established in 1974 and managed by the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa), it became autonomous in 2002. Spanning 60,000 square feet, it is Pakistan’s largest museum, showcasing the country’s diverse heritage through artifacts, dioramas, and live performances. With exhibits on traditional crafts, music, and folklore from all provinces, the museum preserves Pakistan’s living traditions and offers an immersive experience for visitors, earning it the title “Museum for the people of Pakistan.”

• Exploring galleries with traditional crafts, textiles, jewelry, and musical instruments
• Viewing life-size dioramas depicting rural and urban life across Pakistan’s provinces
• Attending live demonstrations of crafts like pottery, weaving, and embroidery
• Experiencing traditional music and dance performances (e.g., Sufi music, Punjabi Bhangra, Kathak)
• Visiting the Sufis and Shrines Hall to learn about saints like Lal Shahbaz Qalandar
• Browsing the Heritage Library for research on folklore and cultural anthropology
• Shopping at the souvenir shop for handmade crafts, scarves, and traditional clothing
• Enjoying outdoor areas with an amphitheater, artisan bazaar, and craft stalls
• Participating in cultural festivals like Lok Mela, featuring artisans and performers
• Photography of traditional architecture, frescoes, and mosaic displays