NHM unveils ‘Husn-e-Hunar’ exhibition celebrating Pakistani craftsmanship

• Exhibition showcases khussa-making, wood carving and kashi-gari traditions

• Interactive display featuring artisans’ oral histories opens to public from May 23

 LAHORE: A new exhibition titled “Husn-e-Hunar,” celebrating Pakistan’s traditional crafts and skilled artisans, was inaugurated at the National History Museum under a joint initiative of the Punjab Horticulture Authority Lahore and the Citizens Archive of Pakistan on Wednesday.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Managing Director Mansoor Ahmad Raja, who described the initiative as “a beautiful addition” to the museum and said Pakistan’s handicraft tradition formed an “integral part of the country’s cultural heritage.”

The exhibition highlights the history, evolution and cultural significance of three traditional crafts — Khussa-Making, Wood Carving and Kashi-gari — and also features oral-history interviews of veteran craftsmen who dedicated their lives to these arts.

National History Museum Director Owais Malik said the idea for a handicrafts-focused exhibition had consistently emerged through public feedback and suggestions, adding that “Husn-e-Hunar” aligned closely with the museum’s broader vision of presenting Pakistani artisans’ stories in their own voices.

Designed as an interactive and multi-dimensional experience, the exhibition also includes a special DIY crafts station for children and will open to the public from May 23.