Fakir Khana is the private museum of the Fakir Family of Lahore. It houses the treasures of the Faqir family, who have lived in Lahore since the 18th century. It is said to be the largest private collection in south Asia, with over 13,000 pieces of art. It is situated in Bhati Gate, Lahore. The head of the Lahore branch of the family was a fakir. Fakhir is a Muslim ascetic from Bukhara. His three sons achieved prominence in the court of Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh, despite being Muslims. One son was the royal physician, another is a foreign minister and the third a finance minister. They amassed many valuable antiquities as direct or hand-me-down gifts as a result of their ties with Ranjit Singh. Later generations preserved these pieces and collected more objects d’art during travels abroad.
Items in Museum
Items include relics of the Prophet Mohammed (on public display for one day during the Islamic month of Muharram), early Qurans and other illuminated manuscripts, miniature paintings, porcelain pieces, old coins, Islamic artwork, carvings, clothes worn by the Mughal emperors, a small armory of Sikh weapons and carpets from the royal courts.
It is the honor, processions and pride of the well known Fakir Family whose vibrant history can be amazingly traced back hundreds of years. Considered a hidden treasure of art, paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, Chinese porcelain, Persian carpets and countless masterpieces of Art.
The Museum gives the visitor interesting information on the culture and history of Punjab. The exhibits of the museum include gifts from Queen Victoria and Maharajah Ranjit Singh to Fakir Syed Azizuddin and Fakir Syed Nooruddin who were ministers in his court.
Fakir Khana Family
This Private family museum is basically inside an early 20th-century house carrying a kaleidoscope of unimaginable pieces. From gems & stones, portraits & miniatures to original manuscripts of holy Quran and Relics of Islam including the relics of the Holy Prophet. It is a place full of history, memories and treasures. Every single artifact at Fakir Khana Museum has a story to tell. This family is not only the proud bearer of antique collection but it’s also a part of an eventful history.
As this is a private collection, you must phone the curator in advance. Admission is free, photography is not permitted and it’s appreciated if you take off your shoes and refrain from touching any of the items. The Museum is currently managed by members of the Fakir Family. It is closed to the general public and visitations are by appointment only.
Locally Lahore had an informative photo walk to this Museum of the summer season in the year 2015 to promote Lahore’s tourism and rich historical importance.
Click to see the gallery of photo walk
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