The Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra, has embarked on a landmark conservation initiative to safeguard Pakistan’s invaluable artistic heritage through the Museum Collection Conservation & Re-framing Project at the Alhamra Museum of Modern Arts.
Supported by the Embassy of Germany, the project marks a significant milestone in the Museum’s ongoing transformation into a modern cultural institution committed to international museum standards and the long-term preservation of the nation’s artistic treasures.
The project forms a central component of the comprehensive renovation and upgradation of the Alhamra Museum of Modern Arts. It reflects Alhamra’s unwavering commitment to protecting works of exceptional historical and artistic significance. By replacing conventional framing methods with museum-quality, conservation-grade framing systems, the initiative will ensure that priceless artworks remain protected from environmental deterioration, acidic materials, dust, fluctuating humidity, excessive light exposure and physical damage, securing their preservation for generations to come.
A comprehensive assessment of the Museum’s collection identified 52 artworks requiring conservation intervention, including 19 masterpieces designated as high priority for their historical and artistic significance.
Detailed documentation and condition assessments have been completed, establishing a scientific foundation for conservation treatment and long-term collection management.
Following a transparent and competitive procurement process conducted in full compliance with the Punjab Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Rules and Government of Punjab regulations, MainFrame, one of Pakistan’s foremost specialists in museum-quality conservation framing, has been selected to undertake the project. The first phase focuses on 20 exceptional works by the pioneering artist Anna Molka Ahmed, including rare sketches and works on paper that hold a distinguished place in Pakistan’s artistic history. Each artwork will be preserved using archival-quality materials and internationally accepted preventive conservation techniques to ensure both its physical protection and its presentation in accordance with museum-quality exhibition standards.
Alongside the conservation framing programme, Alhamra has significantly strengthened the Museum’s preservation infrastructure by introducing a temperature-controlled storage environment. The installation of a dedicated air-conditioning system has substantially improved environmental conditions, minimising the risks posed by heat and humidity while reinforcing preventive conservation measures for the Museum’s growing collection.
Speaking on the occasion, Executive Director Alhamra Muhammad Nawaz Gondal said, “Museums are the custodians of a nation’s collective memory. Every painting entrusted to Alhamra carries the creative spirit of its time and preserving these masterpieces is not simply a conservation exercise; it is a responsibility to history, to artists and to future generations. Through this landmark initiative, Alhamra is building a lasting bridge between Pakistan’s artistic legacy and internationally recognised museum conservation practices.”
He further stated that the collaboration with the Embassy of Germany reflects a shared commitment to cultural preservation and demonstrates the power of international partnerships in protecting heritage of universal significance. He noted that Alhamra remains dedicated to adopting global best practices, strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring that Pakistan’s artistic achievements continue to inspire researchers, students, artists and visitors from around the world.
The project is progressing steadily, with conservation assessments, technical documentation, museum-quality frame designs and environmental improvements completed. Conservation framing of the first group of artworks is currently underway, while continuous environmental monitoring and planning for future phases remain integral components of the initiative.
Upon completion, the project will significantly enhance the long-term preservation of historically important artworks, improve storage and exhibition conditions, and enrich public access following the reopening of the renovated Alhamra Museum of Modern Arts. It will also strengthen Pakistan’s museum conservation capacity and establish new benchmarks for the professional care and presentation of cultural collections.
Scheduled for completion in early August 2026, the Museum Collection Conservation & Re-framing Project represents far more than the preservation of individual artworks. It stands as a lasting investment in Pakistan’s cultural future, reaffirming Alhamra’s position as one of the country’s foremost institutions dedicated to preserving, celebrating and advancing the nation’s artistic and cultural heritage through excellence, innovation and international collaboration.