The museum, dedicated to preserving
his legacy, will be accessible to
the public starting tomorrow
Staff Reporter
Karachi: The Gulgee Museum officially opened its doors today, welcoming art enthusiasts, media representatives, and close associates of the renowned Pakistani artist, Gulgee. The museum, dedicated to preserving his legacy, is accessible to the public all the week days.
A Tribute to Gulgee’s Vision
The event began with a networking session over refreshments, followed by speeches from notable figures, including Hafeez Shaikh, Niilofur Farooq, and Adam Fahy-Majeed. Gulgee’s son, Amin Gulgee, who spearheaded the museum’s transformation, expressed his gratitude, stating:
“It was my parents’ dream that their home would eventually become a museum. I hope I have done justice to their vision. Two years ago, I started converting my father’s home—where he lived and exhibited his work—into the Gulgee Museum. Architect Samina Anjarwalla helped reimagine the space, connecting it with my adjacent gallery, which will now serve as a contemporary art space.”
A Vast Collection of Art and History
The Gulgee Museum features over 170 works spanning from the 1950s to 2007. The permanent collection includes paintings, lapis lazuli mosaics, sketches, and sculptures. Divided into 17 sections across 13 rooms, the exhibition offers visitors a thematic exploration of Gulgee’s artistic journey. Each section is accompanied by explanatory wall text and QR codes that provide Urdu translations.
The museum also houses rare archival photographs, capturing moments of Gulgee with world leaders such as President Charles de Gaulle of France in the 1960s and Benazir Bhutto in the 1990s. Additionally, video interviews of Gulgee offer firsthand insights into his creative process.
Educational and Cultural Initiatives
Amin Gulgee, who has taken on the role of curator, emphasized the museum’s educational mission:
“The goal of the Gulgee Museum is to serve as a learning resource for students and art enthusiasts. We plan to launch outreach programs offering free guided tours for schools and universities across Pakistan. The museum’s rooftop will also serve as a space for cultural discussions and artistic dialogues.”
A Legacy Unveiled
Following the speeches, Amin Gulgee’s sister, Zarmeen Gulgee, inaugurated the museum’s exhibition halls, allowing guests to explore its rich artistic collection.
Gulgee, a pioneer of modern art in Pakistan, enjoyed both national and international acclaim over his five-decade career. His patrons included world leaders and royalty, and his work was displayed in prestigious museums worldwide. The opening of the Gulgee Museum ensures that his artistic legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
