The Gulgee Museum officially opened its doors to a select gathering of invitees yesterday, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s art and cultural landscape. The museum, which will be open to the general public starting today, was inaugurated with a formal program attended by art enthusiasts, media personnel, and friends and family of the Gulgee family.
Amin Gulgee, son of the legendary artist Ismail Gulgee and an accomplished artist himself, welcomed guests and shared his vision for the museum. “It was my parents’ dream to turn their home into a museum,” he said. “I hope I’ve done justice to that vision.” Amin worked with architect Samina Anjarwalla to transform the space into a museum, which now houses a permanent collection of over 170 of Gulgee’s works, including paintings, mosaics, sketches, and sculptures.
The museum’s collection is divided into 17 sections, spread across 13 rooms on two floors. Each section is accompanied by wall text and QR codes that provide Urdu translations. The museum also features archival photographs and videos of interviews with Gulgee, offering a glimpse into the life and work of this iconic artist.
As a curator, Amin aims to make the Gulgee Museum an educational resource for students and art enthusiasts. Plans include outreach programs, free guided tours for schools and universities, and discursive sessions on Pakistani culture.
The evening concluded with Amin’s sister, Zarmeen Gulgee, opening the museum’s doors for guests to explore the sprawling space. The Gulgee Museum is a testament to Ismail Gulgee’s enduring legacy, which spans nearly five decades and includes exhibitions in major museums worldwide.
