LAHORE: The Lahore Arts Council, Alhamra, has embarked on a conservation initiative to safeguard 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 standards and the long-term preservation of the artistic treasures.

The project forms a central component of renovation and upgrade of the Alhamra Museum of Modern Arts. An 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.

The first phase focuses on 20 exceptional works of Anna Molka Ahmed, including rare sketches and works on paper. Each artwork will be preserved using archival-quality materials and internationally accepted preventive conservation techniques.

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.

Alhamra Executive Director 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”.

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. The project is scheduled to complete in August 2026.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2026