Fakir Khana Museum: A Hidden Treasure of Lahore
Discover a treasure trove of art and history at the Fakir Khana Museum, a captivating journey through Lahore's rich cultural heritage.
Step back in time at the Fakir Khana Museum, a hidden gem located in the heart of Lahore's historic Walled City [2, 3, 8]. This private museum, owned and curated by the Fakir family, boasts an impressive collection of over 20,000 artifacts, offering a unique window into the art, culture, and history of the Punjab region from the 18th to 20th centuries [3, 4, 13]. The museum itself is housed in a traditional Lahori house, once owned by Raja Todar Mal, a finance minister in the Mughal empire, providing a glimpse into the lifestyles of upper-class families during the Sikh and British eras [2, 3, 4]. The Fakir family, who settled in Lahore around 1730, opened their home as a museum in 1901 [3, 5]. Their connection to the Sikh Empire, with family members serving as emissaries to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, is reflected in the collection, which includes numerous gifts bestowed upon the family by the Maharaja [3]. The museum's collection is incredibly diverse, featuring miniature paintings, Islamic art, Chinese porcelain, Persian carpets, woodwork, coin collections, and textiles [4, 12, 13]. Highlights include a 19th-century miniature portrait of Nawab Mumtaz Ali, which took 15 years to complete using a single-hair brush, and a collection of Sikh-era textiles, including a Kashmiri shawl believed to have been owned by Maharani Jinda, wife of Maharajah Ranjit Singh [2, 3, 4]. A section of the museum is also dedicated to Buddhist art from the Gandhara civilization [2, 4, 5]. Visiting the Fakir Khana Museum is an immersive experience, offering a personal connection to the history and culture of Lahore [8, 14]. The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, but visits are by appointment only [10, 14].
Local tips
- Visits are by appointment only, so be sure to contact the museum in advance to schedule your visit [10, 14].
- The museum is located in a narrow street within the Walled City; consider hiring a local guide to navigate the area [8].
- Photography inside the museum may be restricted, so it's best to check with the curator upon arrival [10].
- Allow ample time to explore the museum's vast collection; several hours are recommended to fully appreciate the artifacts [8].
A brief summary to Fakir Khana Museum
- Hakiman Bazar, Lahore, Kucha Faqirkhana Kucha Astana Sharif Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab, 54000, PK
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Walking
The Fakir Khana Museum is located in Hakiman Bazar, a short walk from Bhatti Gate, one of the main entrances to the Walled City of Lahore [2, 3, 5]. From Bhatti Gate, walk straight into Hakiman Bazar; the museum will be on your right-hand side. Be mindful of the crowded streets and local traffic.
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Public Transport
If arriving by public transport [8, 21], take a bus or Metro to a stop near the Walled City, such as the General Bus Stand or Railway Station [8]. From there, hire a rickshaw or taxi to Hakiman Bazar [8]. * Rickshaw fare: PKR 100-200 (negotiable) [8] * Taxi fare: PKR 150-300 (estimated) [8]
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are readily available in Lahore [16]. Use Hakiman Bazar, Kucha Faqirkhana as your destination. Be aware that traffic within the Walled City can be congested [8]. Expect to be dropped off near Bhatti Gate and walk the remaining distance. * Estimated taxi fare from a central Lahore location: PKR 196-486 for a 5-20km trip [6, 7]
