About Nairang Art Gallery
How Our Passion Began
Nairang Art Gallery, founded in 1995 by Architect Nayyar Ali Dada, stands as one of Lahore’s most distinguished cultural spaces — a hub where fine arts, literature, music, and performing arts coexist in harmony. Established with a mission to preserve Pakistan’s cultural heritage and encourage creative expression, Nairang continues to play a vital role in the revival of Lahore’s artistic identity.
Rooted in the belief that art is a bridge between past and present, Nairang brings together traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. The gallery presents a dynamic collection ranging from paintings, sculptures, and ceramics to handicrafts, books, and music. Our exhibitions showcase the works of Pakistan’s legendary artists such as Shakir Ali and Sadequain, alongside a new generation of emerging contemporary artists whose creativity reflects the pulse of today’s society.
More About Nairang Art Gallery
Nairang is more than an exhibition space — it is a living forum for dialogue, discovery, and cultural exchange. The gallery regularly organizes art exhibitions, literary readings, and design showcases, connecting artists, collectors, and enthusiasts who share a passion for Pakistan’s rich creative heritage.
Through its multi-disciplinary approach, Nairang continues to support young talent, provide visibility to underrepresented art forms, and encourage the integration of art into everyday life. Our commitment is to build a deeper appreciation of the arts while inspiring future generations to carry forward this cultural legacy.
Located in the heart of Lahore, Nairang Art Gallery welcomes visitors from around the world to experience the soul of Pakistani art — a place where history, imagination, and innovation come together under one roof.
Nayyar Ali Dada was born on 11 November 1943 in Delhi, British India, to a Sayyid family.[2] His family migrated to Lahore, Pakistan, in the 1950s. After finishing his basic education at the University of Punjab, Lahore in 1957, he enrolled in the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, as a student. In 1964, he graduated from NCA but chose to remain attached to it by working there as a teacher. The principal of NCA Shakir Ali and Dada became friends. According to Overseas Pakistanis Foundation website, “The relationship with Shakir Ali (the principal of NCA) grew, and the two became close friends. As a token of friendship, Nayyar designed Shakir Ali’s house in Garden Town, Lahore (now the Shakir Ali Museum)
Buildings Associated With Nayyar Ali Dada
- Shakir Ali Museum (Lahore) 1982[2]
- Grand Mosque, Lake City Lahore
- Lake City Downtown Commercial, Lahore
- Grand Jamia Mosque, Lahore Bahria Town
- Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore in 1981[2][1]
- BCCI Bank (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
- Beaconhouse National University, Tarogil Campus (Lahore)
- Faisalabad Arts Council
- Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore)
- Serena Hotel (Islamabad)
- Lal Masjid (Islamabad) (2010)
- Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore (restored the historic garden)[2]
- Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre[3]
- Vogue Towers (a shopping mall in Lahore, Pakistan) (2010)
- Lahore Zoo[2]
- Quaid-e-Azam Library (Lahore)[2]
- The Defence Revelation (Lahore) [4]
- Grand Jamia Mosque[5]
Awards
| Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Crescent of Excellence) Award in 2018 Pride of Performance Award in 1992 Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1998 |
