Punjab opens four new galleries at Harappa Museum

The Punjab government has inaugurated four new galleries at the Harappa Museum, marking another major step toward preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism.

Speaking at the inauguration, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the new galleries reflect the Chief Minister’s commitment to protecting Punjab’s historical sites and making them more functional and accessible. “Heritage is not only about our past but also our identity. Preserving it is our collective responsibility,” she stated.

The initiative will preserve archaeological treasures and serve as a hub for academic and scientific research, further boosting cultural tourism in the province.

Newly inaugurated galleries inside the Harappa Museum showcase ancient heritage. Photo: Express

Tourism Secretary Dr. Ehsan Bhutta highlighted that restoring heritage sites will enhance tourism at both national and international levels. “The Department of Archaeology is implementing measures aligned with global standards,” he said.

Director General of Archaeology Zaheer Abbas Malik explained that the new galleries present Harappa’s history using modern interpretive practices.

He said the project will play a vital role in research, education, and public awareness.

“Equipped with new facilities on the directives of the Chief Minister, Harappa Museum is being developed into a space where students, researchers, and tourists alike can benefit,” he added.

Newly inaugurated galleries inside the Harappa Museum showcase ancient heritage. Photo: Express

The galleries will help preserve Harappa’s ancient legacy while strengthening the younger generation’s connection with their cultural roots.

Background on Harappa

Located in Punjab’s Sahiwal district, Harappa is one of the principal urban centers of the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished between 2600 and 1900 BCE.

Newly inaugurated galleries inside the Harappa Museum showcase ancient heritage. Photo: Express

Alongside Mohenjo-Daro, it symbolizes South Asia’s earliest urban culture, distinguished by advanced city planning, drainage systems, standardized weights, and a thriving craft industry.

Excavations have uncovered artifacts such as seals, pottery, figurines, and tools, offering invaluable insights into one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

Newly inaugurated galleries inside the Harappa Museum showcase ancient heritage. Photo: Express

The Harappa Museum, established in 1926, has long served as the custodian of these archaeological treasures.

With the addition of four new galleries, it is now poised to expand its role as an educational and tourist destination, bridging the gap between ancient history and modern engagement.