The Quaid-e-Azam House Museum is a must-visit destination for both historians and the general public alike. Situated in an iconic colonial building, it houses many personal items belonging to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his sister Fatima.
Fatima Jinnah Road has been transformed into a museum, housing many of Quaid-e-Azam's personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, and crockery that remained in his house after his passing.
Fatima Jinnah Road hosts one of Karachi's most picturesque historic buildings, Quaid e Azam House Museum (Flagstaff House). Here, visitors can learn more about Pakistan's founding father while taking a break from city life.
In March 1944, The Quaid purchased a bungalow and furnished it with his belongings from Delhi and Bombay homes. Upon his passing in 1948, Mohtarma Fatima continued living in the house with their sister.
Unfortunately, the bungalow lay neglected until 1985 when the Pakistani government acquired it, restored it, and declared it a national monument - Quaid e Azam House Museum.
The Entrance
At the intersection of Shahrah-e-Faisal and Fatima Jinnah Roads in Karachi, Pakistan lies this stunning two-story yellow stone double-story building that was originally constructed by Moses Somake and later purchased by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1943.
On Fatima Jinnah Road in Karachi, this house was purchased by Parsi business tycoon Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah on the eve of independence and later Madar-i-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah lived here for many years. Designed by architect Moses Somake and likely constructed around 1890, it remains a prominent landmark today.
The entrance of the house is a stunning yellow stone double-strayed building, featuring simple arcading and carved pilasters. It also has a sloping roof covered in red clay tiles as well as semicircular balconies on each side.
Inside, a guide will take you through the main rooms of the building. They'll share stories about both the house and Pakistan's founding father, Jinnah.
No way can you avoid visiting this must-visit destination! The museum is well-maintained and free to enter.
At the entrance, you must present your National ID card and take no pictures inside. It is one of Karachi's most interesting museums that are worth visiting for sure!
In addition to the main part of the house, there is also a garage, an external kitchen, and a horse stable built out of the same stone as the main structure.
The bedroom of the house is exquisitely decorated with antiques from Quaid-e-Azam's time. It features a large camphorwood box and sofa sets preserved in their original form.
Formerly known as Flagstaff House, this iconic building in Karachi is the residence of Quaid-e-Azam and his sister Madar-i-Millat Mohtarma-Fatima Jinnah. Now a National Monument, it was restored by the government of Pakistan in 1985.
After Pakistan gained independence in 1947, this building was used by several army commanders as their residence. Subsequently, it was purchased by the government of Pakistan which converted it into a museum to preserve and showcase its history.
A guide leads visitors through each room of the house, explaining its purpose and history. Some rooms behind glass are locked, but visitors can peek inside to admire original furniture and artifacts.
The Garden
The garden of Quaid-e-Azam House Museum is one of its most stunning features, set against a wrought iron fence with old trees and an exquisite yellow stone structure. This last remaining property belonged to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his wife Fatima.
Rasheed ul Wahab tells us as we enter the backyard of this building that "this is where Quaid-e-Azam, the founder of Pakistan, lived for a year." He describes it as an aesthetically pleasing structure with Banyan trees, a deck, and semicircular balconies; further noting its construction date: 1868".
A wooden archway stands open in a lush garden. Its intriguing sight leaves one with no doubt as to what lies beyond.
Here, a tour guide takes you on an informative tour of this stunning place. He shares tales and tells the stories behind each room as he shares tales of its rich history with you.
He recounts that Jinnah, the father of Pakistan, moved to this house in 1947 from his residences in Delhi and Bombay. It was his foresight that inspired him to make such a change.
His room is filled with antiques. A large carved cigarette box made of sandalwood, a framed sketch of a lantern, and other such mementos can be found here.
Though photography isn't allowed in the main rooms, a glass door at the entrance allows you to peer inside and admire all of its preserved artifacts. This is an excellent opportunity for visitors to marvel at these remarkable remnants.
The garden in front of Quaid e Azam House Museum has been renovated to offer ample seating for visitors. Furthermore, lights have been installed in the garden to create a safer atmosphere.
Flagstaff House was constructed in 1868 as a British-designed structure featuring arched openings, carved pillars, and semicircular balconies. It was rented by the British Indian Army and served as residence to senior officers until Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah purchased it in 1943.
Later, the government acquired and renamed the property the Quaid e Azam House Museum. Here were displayed many of Father of the Nation's personal effects for public display.
The Housekeeper
The housekeeper is an elderly man who has taken on the daunting task of conserving and cleaning the museum, with little help from the government. Unfortunately, his efforts are rewarded with scant rewards from above.
Quaid e Azam House is a National Monument and one of Karachi's most beloved museums. Situated at Shahrah-e-Faisal and Fatima Jinnah Road, its yellow stone double-story building stands as a testament to Pakistan's past.
Despite its impressive architectural splendor, this house rarely receives visitors.
Guide Rasheed begins the tour by outlining the history of the building and how it served as Quaid-e-Azam's personal residence from 1947 until 1971. He points out relics such as Quaid's bed, drawer, utensils, and study table that have been preserved for visitors' viewing pleasure.
He also highlights the family pictures of Fatima Jinnah and Dina Wadia that are prominently displayed on the wall.
Quaid's room is decorated with a variety of mementos that were gifted to him by prominent figures during his lifetime. One such item is a model of the Viking airplane used during the Pakistani independence movement.
In addition to displaying the Quaid's personal possessions, the museum also hosts events such as talks by renowned leaders in civil society. These gatherings take the form of seminars and audio-visual programs for groups of up to 50 people.
Visitors to Quaid-e-Azam's and Fatima Jinnah's houses are guided inside by an official who leads them up a staircase and into the living room, where they can view the personal belongings of both leaders. Wooden pieces such as a long table and map of Pakistan made out of broken glass also grace the display.
The guide points out family photos of the Quaid-e-Azam and his wife on the walls. He also explains that upstairs is where Quaid-e-Azam and Fatima Jinnah lived, while a copy of the Holy Quran can be seen ensconced in a wooden book holder.
The Backyard
Right behind the main gate of Quaid e Azam House Museum lies an idyllic garden. Lush green plants and majestic old trees create a striking sight.
The backyard of the Museum is one of its main attractions and it provides visitors with a range of amenities that enhance their experience. These include air conditioning, CCTV Security Cameras, Burglar Alarm systems, and Film Projection Facilities.
On a tour of the Museum, you can admire various rooms and relics used by Quaid-e-Azam during his lifetime. This location is significant for historians as it houses numerous historical artifacts, documents, and letters that bear witness to his legacy.
In the entrance hall, you'll come across a beautifully carved cigarette box made of high-quality sandalwood. Next to it is the study room, decorated with relics of Quaid-e-Azam. A large camphorwood box was also found here which once held crockery.
In addition, the study features several tables and chairs. You'll even spot a relaxing sofa in one corner.
The other rooms of the Museum are decorated with relics of Quaid-e-Azam, providing a poignant example of how meticulous care must be taken to preserve such an important historical site.
At the conclusion of your tour, you'll visit a room where Fatima Jinnah, Quaid-e-Azam's sister, lived for 16 years after his passing. Her room is filled with mementos from her life story.
For history buffs, the Quaid e Azam House Museum should not be missed when in Karachi. Open daily (except Wednesdays) from 9 am to 4 pm, this museum is definitely worth a stop during your trip.
The Main Rooms
History buffs will love visiting Quaid e Azam House Museum, also known as Flagstaff House. Situated near Karachi's city center, this stunning yellow-stone mansion is one of the most visited museums.
Inside, you'll discover historic memorabilia that brings back memories of an earlier era. From furniture to ancient lamps, the house is packed with preserved pieces from that era.
On your tour of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Fatima Jinnah's personal residence, you'll gain insight into their lives. Plus, you get to see their bedroom and balcony on the first floor!
In the living room, you'll find a wooden table used by Quaid-e-Azam and his sister when they held meetings. Furthermore, you can view all of their personal belongings as well as photographs taken throughout their lifetimes.
The bedroom is tastefully decorated with a bed and dresser, as well as Quaid-e-Azam's writing table. Additionally, there are ancient lamps adorned with the portrait of Pakistan's founder.
On the first floor of the mansion are three rooms; one where Quaid was born and two others that showcase items belonging to Pakistan's founder. These include a cabinet chair, an office chair, a vast collection of law books, a writing chair, and a dressing table.
Furthermore, there are relics such as finely carved cigarette boxes made from sandalwood and large camphorwood box.
One of the highlights of this tour is a balcony that was one of Quaid-e-Azam's favorite spots to watch the sea. He would often take his morning walks from here.
The museum provides an insightful look into Pakistani culture and heritage, making it a must-visit for all those passionate about Pakistan's past - particularly kids!
The Third Room
The Quaid-e Azam House Museum's third room serves as a gallery, featuring some of its relics. These include a cabinet chair used by the Quaid-e-Azam when presided over numerous cabinet meetings, an office seat, numerous law books, composing seat, a dressing table, side tables, a padded couch set, and floor coverings.
On a wall here is an iconic pencil sketch of Fatima Jinnah, sister to the Quaid-e-Azam, created in 1963 by artist Sarah Ikhlaq and displayed for all to admire.
The bungalow lay neglected until 1985 when the government purchased it and restored it as a national monument - Quaid e Azam House Museum. As one of Karachi's few remaining historic buildings that have been properly preserved, this must-see landmark should not be missed by any history enthusiast.
The Fourth Room
The study is the fourth room of the house and has been tastefully decorated. Here you'll find antique lamps, furniture, crockery, and clothes from long ago.
The study also features a desk and chairs used by Jinnah during his lifetime.
There is also a portrait of Jinnah in the room, along with other mementos from his life that have been carefully preserved here.
The Quaid e Azam House Museum is an intriguing destination, especially for history enthusiasts. It also gives us a fascinating look into the lives of our nation's founders.
The Sixth Room
Moses Sohak designed this house in 1868 as a reminder of Pakistan's past. Built-in 1868, it still stands today.
This historic building stands as a tribute to Pakistan's great political leader. It houses numerous memorabilia from his personal collection, such as furniture, antique lamps, and crockery used by Jinnah himself.
In the sixth room of this stunning property, Quaid's bed could be found. He resided there until his death on September 1948.
This room also contains a writing table where Quaid used to jot down his thoughts. A map of Pakistan carved in marble can be seen here as well, along with Quaid's sandalwood cigarette box.
It’s A Must-Visit for History Buffs
For history buffs who want to experience what life was like for Pakistan's founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Quaid e Azam House Museum is an ideal destination. This historic museum contains many of his personal belongings.
This museum, situated in Karachi and designed by renowned British architect Moses Somake, stands as a majestic yellow stone double-storeyed building situated amid acres of open land. It serves as an iconic example of colonial architecture and should not be missed by those interested in learning about historical places.
The house is a meticulously kept museum that showcases many items used by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, such as his bed, utensils, books, furniture, and more. Additionally, there is an auditorium and picture gallery within its confines.
Spend hours wandering this museum. Your guide will take you to different rooms and display all the items used by Pakistan's founder.
The Quaid-e-Azam House Museum serves as an educational platform, teaching visitors about the life and ideas of Quaid-e-Azam for Pakistani independence. It also showcases the city's history while encouraging people to be more tolerant and accepting of others.
History buffs must visit this must-visit destination as it's filled with captivating tales. There are numerous plaques on the walls that provide unique information about the place and its past.
The museum is situated in a serene garden, providing you with peaceful vibes as you stroll through it. Additionally, it's an ideal opportunity to spend quality time with your family members.
Visit this museum to gain an understanding of life in the 1940s. You'll see all aspects, from furnishings to clothes, that were in use at that time.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, did an incredible job creating a government and organizing his country after it had been divided by communal violence. He remains a hero to many and his efforts have helped shape Pakistan into what we know today.
The Quaid e Azam House Museum was the former residence of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his sister Fatima Jinnah, purchased by the Quaid in 1943 and visited frequently until his passing in 1964. Following his passing, Fatima continued to reside here until her own death in 1964.
