Digital Gandhara gallery unveiled

The inauguration ceremony of the Digital Immersive Gallery at the Islamabad Museum, Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), took place on Thursday, seeking to advance Pakistan's cultural promotion and heritage management capacity.

Special Assistant to the Prime MThe Digital Immersive Gallery has been established by the Korea Heritage Agency under a five-year Official Development Assistance (ODA) Project (2021-2025) of the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), Government of the Republic of Korea. The project, entitled "Development of Cultural Promotion and Tourism Resources of Gandhara Heritage of Pakistan", seeks to advance Pakistan's cultural promotion and heritage management capacity.

This state-of-the-art gallery presents Gandhara's rich cultural legacy through advanced digital technology and immersive storytelling. It highlights the historical spread of Buddhism from Gandhara to the Korean Peninsula, recalling the journeys of Korean monks who travelled to the region to study the Dharma. Visitors can engage with interactive 3D projections, bringing digital renderings of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas to life with a simple wave of the hand. The gallery also features Pakistan's six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a seamless journey through history from the 3rd millennium BCE to the 17th century CE.

Addressing the gathering, the State Minister expressed appreciation for the Republic of Korea's contribution to the preservation and promotion of Pakistan's cultural heritage. He remarked that the gallery would serve as a bridge between past and present and further strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.

The Digital Immersive Gallery is part of a broader ODA project that has already delivered significant milestones, including:

Conservation and Analysis Laboratory (2022) is Pakistan's first advanced facility for inorganic antiquities, fully equipped with modern instruments. More than 125 conservators, curators, and students were trained nationwide in conservation sciences through workshops and internships.

Archaeological Research Centre (2022) is equipped with drones, scanners, GNSS systems, and 3D modelling software, documenting 185 archaeological sites across Taxila, Central Gandhara, Swat Valley, and Islamabad.

Pilot Excavation at Mankiala Stupa is hands-on training for students and young archaeologists in modern excavation methods.

Looking ahead, the Government of the Republic of Korea has approved the second phase of the project (2026-2030). This new phase includes the establishment of the Pakistan Institute of Cultural Heritage Training and Research at Shakarparian, Islamabad. The institute will provide a permanent facility dedicated to heritage training, research, and international collaboration.

The ceremony concluded with a tour of the gallery, where guests experienced first-hand the innovative fusion of technology and history that now enriches the Islamabad Museum.