The Lahore Army Museum, located in the heart of Lahore, serves as a remarkable testament to the illustrious history and military prowess of the Pakistan army. With a legacy of exceptional discipline and battle experience, the Pak army stands among the world’s renowned armed forces.
The museum, through extensive modernisation efforts, presents an engaging journey through time, encompassing artifacts from the Mughal reign to the contemporary struggle against terrorism in Pakistan. Its exhibits, which include an array of military items such as uniforms, medals, weaponry, tanks, and gear used by the Pak army since pre-independence, offer a captivating glimpse into the development of this distinguished military institution.
In this blog, Graana.com brings you a comprehensive guide to the Army Museum Lahore.
Location and Timing
The Army Museum in Lahore, Pakistan, stands as a prominent and popular spot in the city. Situated in Lahore Cantt, just across from Lahore Airport, this museum was established by the Pak army. It is one of the most visited one among all the museums in Lahore.
The museum houses galleries dedicated to the various medals, uniforms, and equipments that have been utilised by Pakistan’s military forces throughout its history. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and highly informative, showcasing a wealth of intriguing artifacts.
Visitors can explore the museum from Saturday through Wednesday. For those with an interest in delving into the rich tapestry of Pak military’s history or broader history of South-asian military, a visit to the Army Museum is well worthwhile. Its central location in Lahore makes it easily accessible to those visiting from other areas. In the following sections, we will delve into timings and the additional tourist attractions it has to offer.
History of Army Museum Lahore
The Army Museum in Lahore has a history that dates back to its inauguration in 2017 by General Bajwa, the COAS. This museum proudly showcases a comprehensive array of military artefacts, spanning from the Mughal rule to contemporary times, allowing visitors to delve into Pakistan’s rich military history. Notably, the Lahore Army Museum houses one of the most expansive collections of military-related items in Pakistan.
Architecture
The architectural design of the Army Museum Lahore is a compelling representation of Pakistan’s history, skillfuly blending aesthetics and technology. The museum boasts polished floors, spacious corridors, and well-maintained grounds, clearly reflecting the significant investment made in its construction.
Visitors are immediately drawn to the grand sculptures that adorn the museum’s premises, and a vast marble surface bears the sequential names of various martyrs. This thoughtful design element offers a profound perspective on the wartime and secession events, making the museum more than just a static display of artifacts and weaponry.
Exhibits at Army Museum Lahore
The Army Museum Lahore offers a diverse range of attractions that provide valuable insights into Pakistan’s remarkable history. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the museum’s extensive collection of fascinating artefacts. At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a figure of Khudad Khan, a sepoy and a historic figure who was the 1st Muslim in the region to be recognised for his services in the English army during the 1st World War.
Inside the museum, you’ll find various galleries, each offering a unique perspective on different aspects of history. Before entering the galleries, you’ll encounter life-sized statues of war horses, and elephants, with informative details about their significance.
Different galleries are dedicated to the 1965 and 71 wars, providing a detailed exploration of the historical events surrounding these conflicts. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of weaponry from both post and pre-independence eras.
The museum effectively brings the rich history of the Pak army to life, making it an essential destination for those interested in weaponry and military history.
Additionally, you can discover various modes of transportation employed by the Indian forces, which were acquired by the Pak army during wartime, including the iconic Willy Jeep. To learn more about the museum’s other attractions, let’s delve into them in the following sections.
Contact and Timing
|
Contact Type |
Phone Number | Timings |
|
General Inquiries |
+92 (0)42 9922 0336 | Saturday to Thursday, 09:00 am to 04:00 pm |
| Public Relations Officer | +92 (0)335 2447 864 |
Saturday to Wednesday, 09:00 am to 04:00 pm |
| Address | Amjad Chauhdry Road, Lahore, Pakistan |
|
Ticketing
|
Category |
Ticket Price (PKR) |
|
Adult |
100 |
|
Children (Under 12 Years) |
50 |
| Student |
50 |
|
Foreigners |
1000 |
| MI-17 Helicopter |
100 |
| Maj Aziz Bhatti Command Post |
100 |
|
Audio Guide System |
300 |
| Senior Citizens |
Free Entry |
|
(65 years old or above) |
|
Exhibits at Army Museum Lahore
Here are some of the exhibits displayed at Army Museum Lahore:
A Journey Through Galleries
The museum is divided into several galleries, each offering a unique perspective on Pakistan’s history, culture, and military heritage. As you enter, you’re greeted by life-sized statues of elephants and war horses, each accompanied by brief biographical details, setting the stage for your exploration.
Witnessing History
Several galleries focus on the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, vividly portraying the historical context, events, and the valor of Pakistan’s armed forces. These exhibits, complemented by weaponry from different eras, breathe life into these crucial chapters of history.
The Unyielding Spirit of Siachen
A dedicated section pays tribute to soldiers who defended Pakistan at the Siachen Glacier, often dubbed the world’s highest battlefield. This display underscores their unwavering courage and determination in confronting extreme weather conditions to safeguard the nation’s honor and values.
Kashmir’s Struggle
The Kashmir Corner gallery represents the 1947 Indo-Pak war and the aspirations of Kashmiris for independence.
Captured Tanks
A striking feature is the display of four tanks seized from the Indian armed forces during various battles. These tanks serve as a testament to the Pak army’s valor, with marble slabs providing detailed information about these encounters, and even stairs for children to climb onto the tanks.
Honoring Martyrs
The Shuhada Gallery is adorned with black marble slabs bearing the names and provinces of martyrs who have laid down their lives for Pakistan since its inception in 1947.
Exploring the Army’s Structure
Before you delve further into the galleries, a detailed map on the left provides insights into the structure of the Pak army and its main wings, including the separation of East Pakistan in 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
Tributes to Army Chiefs
A row of sculptures measuring about 60 feet pays tribute to every Chief of Army Staff or Commander in Chief of the Pak army since the country’s independence. These sculptures, along with photographs and details, stand as a respectful tribute to their contributions.
Lifelike Statues of War Horses and Elephants
The museum’s lobby features grand and lifelike statues of war horses and elephants, transporting visitors to historic battlefields through their exquisite craftsmanship.
Portraits of National Leaders
The Lahore Army Museum proudly displays magnificent portraits of Pakistan’s national leaders who played pivotal roles in achieving independence and shaping the nation’s ideology. These lifelike portraits are accompanied by detailed information and historical context.
Heroic Wars Gallery
A dedicated gallery showcases heroic wars and the indomitable spirit of Pakistani soldiers who fought with valor and made the ultimate sacrifice for their homeland.
1965 and 1971 War Galleries
Two separate galleries are devoted to the wars of 1965 and 1971, shedding light on the bravery and sacrifices of the Pak army. These exhibitions provide a comprehensive understanding of the wars and the removal of foreign adversaries from the nation.
Nishan-e-Haider Gallery: Pakistan’s Highest Military Honor
A gallery is dedicated to the ones who received Pakistan’s highest military honour, the Nishan-e-Haider, for their extreme bravery and courage in the battle ground.
Arms and Swords Gallery
The museum’s Arms and Swords gallery showcases weaponry used in significant subcontinental wars post-independence. Visitors can witness the change of arms and weaponry over the years, including daggers, guns, canons, swords, armor, arrows, shields, traditional blades and bows.
Check-Post in Honor of Shaheed Major Aziz Bhatti
A virtual representation pays tribute to shaheed Major Aziz Bhatti, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the India and Pakistan’s war of 1965.
Remembering Martyrs of Army Public School Peshawar
A section in the museum is dedicated to the martyrs of the tragic 2014 terrorist attack at Army Public School Peshawar. It commemorates the young students, teachers, and the school’s brave principal who lost their lives in the attack, highlighting the resilience and courage of Pakistan Army.
Modern Weapons and Mughal Era Arms
The museum proudly displays the modern weapons, including elf-propelled guns, tanks, and attack helicopters, showcasing their growth and talents. Additionally, a remarkable collection of arms and ammunition from the Mughal rule, such as guns, daggers, swords, canons, shields, armor, arrows, and bows, offers a fascinating journey through history.
The White of the Flag: Honoring Minorities
This exhibit pays honor to the sacrifices of people belonging to the minority groups who served in the Pak army. Tourists can explore their bravery, as well as view photographs and various artefacts from minorities belonging to diverse backgrounds. These brave individuals have made significant contributions to the defense and honor of Pakistan.
The Army Museum Lahore offers a comprehensive experience that encapsulates the history and the diverse cultural fabric of Pakistan.
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