State Bank Museum & Art Gallery image

State Bank Museum & Art Gallery

Tourist attraction Museum Art gallery History museum Stamp collectors club

One of the Best Places To Visits in Lyari Town


Address

RXXX+9QF, I.I Chundrigar Rd, Lalazar, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan

Contact

+92 21 99221011

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (377 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 9 am to 5:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 5:30 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 9 am to 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 9 am to 5:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 5:30 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am to 5:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (50) Gallery (33) history (32) currency (31) coins (26) Bank (26) visit (25) Pakistan (24) State (23) collection (22)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Kaari S. 3 years ago on Google
    Located in the Business district of Karachi, it is the only museum of its kind in Pakistan. It has in its display all notes that are or were in circulation including a vast collection of current and historic coins. History of the central Bank, pictures of its inauguration, speeches of the Quaid, original treaties, documents, manuscripts, details of Governors, and historical desks, rooms and artefacts including an original gold weighing scale, note sorter, etc are on display Commemorative coins issued by the State Bank are also on display. A separate section on stamps and original collection of the famous calligraphist Sadequain, who in early days worked for State bank are also on display in different galleries.
    21 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ubaid R. 5 months ago on Google • 225 reviews
    State Bank Museum is a Wonderful facility. It is housed in an old, grand building of Imperial Bank of India. It's a heaven for lovers of Currency history. Many unique items starting from Firts ATM Machine in Pak, Old coins and currency notes, money printing machines, souvenir shop etc. Sadiqain gallery is really amazing. It has finest art work of the art giant. However, there is no proper parking or entrance to the museum. You ve to park your car outside on main road. There is no ticket. Entrance is free and yes you can take photographs. Overall a very good experience.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rao K. 1 year ago on Google
    Quick tip: You can pick up the museum map along with a quick guide upon your arrival at one of the information desks. The building was constructed for the Imperial Bank of India in the 1920s by the British Government. It is a "Greeco Roman Building" in Jodhpuri Red Sandstone. The unique feature of the building is the glass celling made in brass. Fish Scale Pattern, joined by screws instead of welding. Original Burma teak doors & wall skirting are also being treated and preserved. The houses the archaeological treasures of the subcontinent. But the historical gems that the structure houses, remain unseen by many. Following galleries: MAIN HALL-GROUND FLOOR An exhibition hall (Temporary) Governors' Gallery State Bank Gallery Coin Gallery - l Coin Gallery - ll Stamp Gallery Currency Gallery mini theatre Souvenir shop MEZZANINE FLOOR-ART GALLERY Sadequain Gallery - l Sadequain Gallery - ll Contemporary Art Gallery Located in State Bank of Pakistan Timings: 9:30 am to 5 pm Sat-Sun closed Ticket: Free
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Faria K. 9 months ago on Google • 126 reviews
    A beautiful and amazing experience. A must place to visit if you are in Karachi and have an interest in old currency and trading systems. We are talking about the State Bank Museum. In order to enter, you need a valid NIC for each person. There is valet parking outside the museum, but if you email them a day before, they will arrange a parking space inside. The museum is absolutely free with free private and guided tours. Also, the whole museum is air-conditioned.There are several exhibits related to different modes of payment methods and how the currency in Pakistan has changed. It was a very informative experience for us. There is a Sadeqauin art gallery on the second floor and a souvenir shop as well. Please do visit this place if you re in Karachi and promote these tourist spots.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Muhammad A. 1 year ago on Google • 157 reviews
    Such a nice experience. The staff was very cooperative and welcoming. It has such a huge collection of currency notes and other currency related archives which could not be covered in a detailed manner due to the shortage of time. Overall it was a very informative trip. On the first floor there is an art gallery in which there is a collection of artwork. Some of that work is contemporary art and most of it was some kind of classical stuff.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mudassir Mubin B. 9 months ago on Google • 109 reviews
    I feel back in time. Seeing all those old coins and bills, it make me recall my childhood. Quite a place they make, and i love it. I took a guided tour there, and thr guid is very very informative in all regards. He give us history lessons as well. Telling history to my son make him proud on me.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Talha B. 1 year ago on Google • 6 reviews
    We went there without any prior booking or anything else. They did stop us at the entrance, but when we told them them that we are from the NED UET and would like to explore the museum, they let us in. However, they had strictly mentioned us to directly go to the museum. The architecture is still in its finest conditions as it was built yesterday. First, they showed us a video about the building then a guide was explaining the different items one by one. If you’re interested in learning about the history of money, you should definitely give it a visit. Also, a very good place for taking pictures. It’s closed from 1300 hours-1430 hours (lunch time, we had to wait an hour cause of this)
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very informative experience. It is interesting to see the transition of currency over time from Courie shells to coins and to paper currency. There is no entrance ticket, staff is very cooperative and guide is available to walk you through the museum. Audio guide is also available. They have taken good consideration of disabled persons which is appreciable. The art work of Sadequain is mesmerizing and one can see his immense contribution for the State Bank. The artwork of contemporary artists is also displayed in the Art Gallery. You can buy souvenirs from the shop inside. They gave Shredded Currency as a gift on exit. Lunch break is from 1:30-2:00pm
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shazia A. 2 years ago on Google
    The museum is full of articles related to the history of coins, currency notes, machines related to coins and currency notes. A good collection of postal stamps and much more.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Faizan G. 4 months ago on Google • 66 reviews
    A wonderful museum free for the public. A great education for children and adults alike about origins of barter, origins of money - a very well preserved collection of historical coins greek, kushan, delhi, mughal, sikh, british and finally Pakistan. The best part of the museum is the Sadequain Gallery - its a national treasure - absolutely phenomenal. Saturday is probably the best day to visit.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali S. 8 months ago on Google • 27 reviews
    Excellent place, carefully designed, a lot of details and historic information. A must go place for all ages specially kids. The historic first Governor SBP office is remarkable. Sadequain mural was marvellous. The staff is professional and if you inform in advance you will get priority parking and guided tour. In the end don’t forget to visit their souvenir shop, fair rates.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aafreen Fun z. 1 year ago on Google • 136 reviews
    We really very enjoyed the visit of State Bank museum on Saturday. It was amazing to see lots of things regarding currency's past,present and very old times currency system and artifact. It is very good place to explore old coins in coins gallery.coin making machines,note printing machines old for kids to know about it and learn about currency. Kids also enjoyed art gallery of this museum. It was very nice, in the last the museum staff is so nice and good for visitors 👍 thay guide and help visitors about museum.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Qamar Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Museum & Art Gallery of State Bank is the best museum of money and coinage in the country. One can delve into the history and evolution of coinage and paper currency of the world. Pakistan's coinage and paper currency from 1947 till date is also on display. In addition, there is Sadequain Art corner in which immaculate work of art by the said artist is on display. You can also purchase beautiful gifts for your loved ones from the souvenir shop inside the museum.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Qahafa A. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit. Shows really hard work and dedication in maintaining and arranging ancient to current age heritage of currencies.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mudassir Mubin B. 9 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    The place is owsam. I went back in my old days. See stuff that was long gone to me. Those coins and bills, i used to adore allot. Prity exciting and memorable place. And that souvenir shop holds time inside it.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fatima O. 5 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Great museum with money history that starts from the pre historic barter system and goes up to modern card machines , there is also a stamp gallery room Along with that the sadequain art gallery on the first floor is also a marvel to behold . With multiple artworks
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Swalay M. 4 years ago on Google
    It was amazing experience of visiting State Bank Museum & Art Gallery what a building structure of British Colonel era it was was up of stones & wood & well maintained by management of SBP. There are 6 guide in museum who guide groups while visits open at 09:30 am to 5:00 pm. Free of cost entry an amazing visit full of history of art & culture & economy
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Majid H. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent place
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Asif A. 6 years ago on Google
    One of the best museum in Pakistan. Well maintained with lots of history. Sadeqain Gallery is amazing and full of some great are work. This place has no entry free and is free to everyone. Museum also has a gift shop. Downstairs is filled with amazing history of notes and currencies of Pakistan, and the Moghul days. You will also find first rupee printing machine, prize bond lottery machine and first pakistani atm machine here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ghullam Muhammad M. 1 year ago on Google
    The State Bank Museum and Art Gallery, located in Karachi, Pakistan, is an institution that serves as a repository of the country's history, culture, and heritage. It is a place where visitors can learn about the evolution of money, the role of the central bank, and the artistic traditions of the region. The museum was established in 2001 and is housed in the State Bank of Pakistan building. The museum has several galleries that showcase different aspects of Pakistan's history and culture. The Numismatics Gallery is dedicated to the evolution of money and currency, from ancient times to the modern era. Visitors can view rare and ancient coins, banknotes, and other currency-related artifacts. The gallery also provides an insight into the history of banking and finance in Pakistan. The Economic Gallery is another interesting section of the museum, which showcases the country's economic development and the role of the central bank in it. The gallery displays the achievements and challenges of the central bank in stabilizing the country's economy and promoting sustainable economic growth. The exhibits in this gallery include interactive displays, audiovisuals, and charts. The Art Gallery is a must-visit section of the museum, which features an extensive collection of contemporary and traditional art from Pakistan. The gallery displays a range of art styles, including miniature painting, calligraphy, sculpture, and digital art. The museum has a permanent collection of over 1,500 artworks by some of Pakistan's most renowned artists, such as Sadequain, Gulgee, and Zahoor ul Akhlaq. One of the unique features of the museum is its interactive exhibits, which allow visitors to engage with the displays and learn in a hands-on manner. For example, the visitors can try their hand at designing their banknotes or learn about the different security features of banknotes. The museum also has a library that houses an extensive collection of books, journals, and research papers on numismatics, economics, and art. The State Bank Museum and Art Gallery has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is an excellent place to learn about Pakistan's rich history and culture, and also appreciate its contemporary art scene. The museum offers guided tours, educational programs, and workshops for students, teachers, and researchers.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shaheer H. 1 year ago on Google
    I recently visited the State Bank Museum in Karachi and I must say, it was quite an educational experience. The museum showcases the history of currency in Pakistan and how it has evolved over the years. The exhibitions are well curated and informative, with a good selection of old coins and notes on display. Our tour guide, Jibran was knowledgeable and personable, and provided insightful explanations and anecdotes that brought the exhibits to life. I was impressed by the attention to detail and the effort put into preserving the cultural significance of money. I would highly recommend the State Bank Museum to anyone.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 farrukh a. 3 months ago on Google • 44 reviews New
    A must visit place.

  • 4/5 Ruquia J. 4 months ago on Google • 34 reviews
    They have a wonderful display on the history of currency Also a must visit is the Sadequain gallery upstairs

  • 5/5 Ayesha M. 5 years ago on Google
    Its a library i side the bank boundary
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Travel with M. 3 years ago on Google
    Worthy Place to visit if you are travelling to karachi. Guided tour is totally free but bring your id card with you otherwise you can't enter in the building. There is a large collection of coins, Currency Notes and Stamps their. They also have a art gallery on 2nd floor where you can see amazing art work by famous and local artists and if you want you by them. They also have a store on right most corner of ground floor where you can by different gifts with the stamp of state bank and collection of coins etc. There are some puzzle games for kids as well. Museum's collections comprising of Coin Galleries, Stamp Gallery, Currency Gallery, History of State Bank, Governors’ Gallery, and Art Gallery, depicting coinage from its evolution till contemporary period, Stamps which were used as Currency in the interim period between Coinage to Currency, leading the visitors to Currency Gallery. History of SBP and Governors’ Gallery are depicting the History of SBP from its establishment in 1948 till to-date, and the Governors’ Gallery is comprised of the Historical background of functions and responsibilities of the Governors of SBP along with their brief profiles. The Art Gallery is a major component of the Museum, display of Sadequain’s murals and other rare paintings in the collection.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Naeem Ur R. 4 years ago on Google
    A Timeless travel from the evolution of currency and it's transition through different stages is preserved at the Museum, it provides an opportunity to the general public especially students to learn about SBP's history, money and coins, monetary policy and its evolving role over time and to establish a tradition of cultural exchange with other museums around the world. The entire premises has multiple galleries of coins, notes, machinery, art and stamps for the visitors. That's not all, every group is offered a guided tour by the team explaining each and every details about the past n present related to the currency n beyond. The whole tour is cost free and it was a pleasure to witness the professionalism and highest level of courtesy by the management of Museum. You have not covered Karachi if you have not visited the Museum and Art Gallery of SBP
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Khadija F. 4 years ago on Google
    Classic and quiet museum. Recommended for school trips. They've a vintage souvenir shop inside the museum and meaningful games for children. You will also find artworks by Sadequain here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali Awais R. 4 years ago on Google
    There is a comprehensive collection of seals and currency used in the states that influence the history of the subcontinent in short Namely the rare reserves of the civilization of the subcontinent as well as found comprehensive knowledge of Pakistan's economy and the currency's variability. the most important thing is that the Sadiquain's Art work done in its gallery is most excellent conditionand also a separate room chosen by the administration for contemporary art.Which is an exciting thing for current artists.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Inshara A. 5 years ago on Google
    Admission is free here and I must say the whole building is well maintained and it met the international standards. I was given a great tour and enjoyed very much in the art gallery. This is the only good museum in Pakistan but I would have appreciated it if they had hung a bigger sign at the parking. All in all;it was great!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Muhammad Waqar S. 4 years ago on Google
    Very very informative place.. There is free entry for everyone just bring ur c. N. I. C there for entry and u can explore the whole new experience inside. Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dr. Muhammad Naeem S. 4 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    I was an awesome collection of money history

  • 5/5 Sebastian S. 4 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    I recommend

  • 5/5 Zeeshan A. 9 months ago on Google
    Loved the collection. Good work SBP

  • 5/5 Qasim K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I do not know how much I am going to do. (Original) FrSh not ke kye bhot khwar hona prhta hai

  • 4/5 Danish F. 3 years ago on Google
    Really impressive to saw such a nice museum with collection of coins,stamps,bank notes with severin shop also available instructer guide a lot.....

  • 5/5 Zainab H. 3 years ago on Google
    Assume and interesting place

  • 5/5 AHSAN A. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome experience and well maintained

  • 3/5 Waqar A. 3 years ago on Google
    They have very good and historical things,which we see first time.here we see very old currency coins and notes.

  • 5/5 Faiza B. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place to visit.

  • 4/5 Irfan N. 3 years ago on Google
    3 of the world's most famous artist Sadiqqain's murals are there depicting the evolution from early age to modern era.... A place to visit for those having taste for history & intellect...

  • 4/5 Muhammad Asif J. 1 year ago on Google
    Security guard welcomed us with surprise, as we were the only visitor. Very few people visit i guess. They have guides who explain, but with low motivation probably due to lack of good number of interested visitors. There should be some snacks and tea available within or nearby. Rich for researchers.

  • 5/5 TAIMOOR AHMED K. 2 years ago on Google
    State Bank of Pakistan Museum & Art Gallery is a museum on Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar Road in Karachi, established in 2004 to introduce the first Monetary Museum of Pakistan. The current State Bank of Pakistan Museum & Art Gallery building, previously the Imperial Bank of India, is a Greco Roman building in Jodhpuri Red Sandstone constructed in the 1920s by the British government. In 2004, the State Bank of Pakistan decided to adapt the building as a museum; work on the projects started in 2006 and was devoted to conservation of the building and acquisition of the collection.

  • 5/5 Muhammad Asim N. 5 years ago on Google
    This museum is simply awesome. Too many coins aor ancient ages. Great art work. Guide is very nice.

  • 5/5 Hasan G. 2 years ago on Google
    It is a very good museum that needs more publicity. Not many people are aware of it's existence. The Sadequain Gallery is superb. This museum can be regarded as a pride and reference to the city of Karachi.

  • 5/5 Fayyaz S. 2 years ago on Google
    Best museum in Karachi, you must be visit their,

  • 4/5 Zulfiqar Muhammad K. 2 years ago on Google
    Good place to visit

  • 5/5 Imtiaz A. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience, very interesting and informative.

  • 5/5 Ahmed R. 11 months ago on Google
    I was really amazed to see this Pakistan's first Money Museum by the State Bank of Pakistan. The museum shows a complete background of trade instruments starting from the barter system to current currency notes and the digital money market. It has the currency coins of different times and empires. It's a must visit museum, especially for people who love exploring currency notes, coins, and stamps.

  • 4/5 Muhammad Umair Q. 4 years ago on Google
    Hard to enter but good place for history lovers

  • 5/5 Bilal A. 4 years ago on Google
    they described everything in very detailed. and history save there.

  • 4/5 salman s. 4 years ago on Google
    It is a great place 😊 it's museum is very good 👍👌👌

  • 5/5 Anas S. 4 years ago on Google
    It was a lovely experience.

  • 3/5 Shah H. 4 years ago on Google
    A nice place to explore history of currency.

  • 5/5 Mahtab H. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing display of monetary history of Pakistan since inception of Indus Civilization

  • 5/5 Hammad Ullah K. 4 years ago on Google
    Really loved the place .. the staff was very generous , treated us really well.. hats off to the state bank of Pakistan. Plus do visit the SOUVENIR SHOP , it got alot of beautiful stuff to buy .. the guy Simon will guide you well inside the shop and secondly its really cheap since its not profitable..

  • 5/5 Abdul Azeem D. 4 years ago on Google
    Best currency museum in Pakistan

  • 5/5 B&S S. 4 years ago on Google
    It was great to see

  • 5/5 Ms.Nabeela A. 4 years ago on Google
    Superb

  • 5/5 Yasir M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautifully crafted museum with rich exquisite attention to detail. They have kept the history of money in Pakistan (& pre-Pakistan era) in an excellent manner. #statebankofpakistan #museum #karachi #pakistan

  • 5/5 USMAN K. 4 years ago on Google
    Highly recommend, the place has something for the people of all ages, Informative and interesting, soviner shop is just amazing!

  • 5/5 Faisal R. 4 years ago on Google
    Very clean and well managed. Unfortunately I was the only visitor when I visited the museum. Very good activity for kids to understand history and importance of money. The museum have reasonable collection of old coins but collection of current foreign currencies needs an update.

  • 5/5 Aisha S. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome experience.if you want to teach your kids about Money or concepts or history of money then best place to visit. A good place for school for feild trip.

  • 5/5 Nada S. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing and interactive way to learn about history or money and current currency. A very good place to take your kids and family They also have a sadeqain art gallery with amazing art work from the legend himself

  • 5/5 Zakir H. 5 years ago on Google
    Walking through the halls of State Bank Museum is like traversing through thousands of years of rich history of currencies and their evolution into the modern money. A well-maintained public display that's definitely worth a visit at least once a lifetime. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Ali R. 5 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful ... Jaw dropping first governor's office btw

  • 5/5 Waseem A. 5 years ago on Google
    An excellent place to visit. Learn all about histort of currency over the ages..... both coins and cutrency notes. Great collection of coins, currency notes and stamps. Marvlous Sadeqain Gallery. Very informative. Knowledgable guides available. A souvenir shop with excellent items to purchase. Open six days a week 09:00 am to 05:00 pm. Must visit.

  • 5/5 Naveed N. 5 years ago on Google
    The museum provides a historical perspective to coinage and the evolution of money and banking in sub continent. A must visit for people of all ages.

  • 5/5 Abid N. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice historical memories, State bank kept and maintained em very nicely.

  • 5/5 Jamil R. 4 years ago on Google
    State Bank of Pakistan

  • 4/5 Aashir Vali V. 5 years ago on Google
    Regulators

  • 5/5 usama a. 5 years ago on Google
    It was a great time walking through every gallery I really felt nostalgic, the guide person was awesome full of historical information I gained good knowledge

  • 5/5 Sabrina Bayat K. 4 years ago on Google
    It was the best Pakistani museum

  • 5/5 Arshad S. 4 years ago on Google
    Pakistan Central Bank History, Currency notes from pre partition i.e. 1947, currency printing machines, portraits, paintings, world currencies & what not ...... Great place for all ages ....

  • 5/5 Mubeen q. 4 years ago on Google
    Huge collection with well maintained & very informative, without ticket..

  • 5/5 The SnS K. 4 years ago on Google
    Must visit place!

  • 5/5 Mustafa R. 4 years ago on Google
    History

  • 5/5 Waqar M. 4 years ago on Google
    A beautifully curated place with amazing friendly staff who guides you through history of coins and currency. Priceless collection they have. Salue to the team managing all this

  • 5/5 akshay k. 4 years ago on Google
    Well designed, good guides and free picture booth.

  • 5/5 Fatima A. 5 years ago on Google
    It's a great experience to visit such a beautiful place it's mesmerising building take you to the past and remind you of colonial era so you don't want to leave the place I just loved it.

  • 5/5 Shaukat A. 4 years ago on Google
    Coaprative

  • 5/5 F Habib R. 4 years ago on Google
    Historical artifacts

  • 4/5 Shahzad a. 4 years ago on Google
    A historical place

  • 4/5 PriZ 4 years ago on Google
    It was very interesting and people should go with their families!

  • 5/5 Maryam Aziz C. 4 years ago on Google
    must go place with your kids to have a lot information and fun

  • 5/5 S S. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent history preserved

  • 5/5 Masarrat K. 4 years ago on Google
    Worth visiting place for people of all ages.

  • 5/5 Masham S. 4 years ago on Google
    An amazing experience in learning about the art, history and evolution of currency and postage in Pakistan. The Sadequain Gallery inside is a must go, with a display of his intricately detailed works of art.


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