Young minds celebrate Pakistan’s heritage as NHM concludes Summer School 2026 with MMD

• Week-long MMD highlights student projects on history, architecture, arts, oral traditions and Pakistan's food heritage

• Interactive workshops, AI-powered learning and hands-on activities reinforce NHM’s mission to connect youth with the nation’s cultural legacy

 LAHORE: The National History Museum (NHM) concluded its flagship Summer School 2026 Programme with a week-long Mini Museum Display (MMD), held from July 26 to August 2, 2026, showcasing the creativity, research and learning achievements of young participants through an immersive celebration of Pakistan’s history, culture and heritage.

The display featured projects developed by participants during the summer school, highlighting their exploration of museum curation, oral histories, arts and crafts, architecture, and Pakistan’s rich food heritage. Through a combination of field visits, hands-on activities, interactive workshops and creative experimentation with artificial intelligence, participants gained a deeper understanding of the country’s diverse historical and cultural landscape while developing practical and creative skills.

Reflecting on the experience, one participant said, “Being part of the Summer School is always exciting. This is my second time attending the school at the National History Museum, and I return each time with great enthusiasm to learn something new about my culture.”

The opening day of the Mini Museum Display brought together participants, their parents and distinguished guests from academia, creating a vibrant atmosphere of learning and engagement. Visitors took part in a range of interactive activities, including a LEGO-making workshop and sessions on creating virtual block-printed bookmarks and postcards, allowing them to engage with cultural themes through creative expression.

A key highlight of the event was Circles of Life, a special workshop conducted by renowned architect Taimoor Khan Mumtaz of Kamil Khan Mumtaz Architects in Lahore. The session offered participants valuable insights into architecture, heritage and design, further enriching the educational experience.

A parent of one of the Summer School participants praised the initiative, saying, “My children had a wonderful time. Displays like this build children’s confidence and encourage them to learn and experiment. The activities made the experience engaging, while Mr Taimoor Khan Mumtaz’s workshop was particularly memorable.”

The week-long exhibition attracted encouraging attendance and received positive feedback from visitors, reflecting growing public interest in educational initiatives that promote cultural awareness and heritage preservation among younger generations.

Speaking about the programme, Awais Malik, Director of the National History Museum, underscored the importance of the initiative in fulfilling the museum’s broader educational mission.

“The summer school is the soul of our mission at the National History Museum i.e., to educate the youngsters on the rich heritage of Pakistan,” he said.