LAHORE (Lord Media): The restoration of the world’s largest historic Picture Wall at Lahore’s Shahi Qila has been completed and reopened to the public. The project, spanning nine years, was a collaborative effort between the Walled City of Lahore Authority and the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan.
Experts state that the Mughal-era wall is 500 meters long and 60 to 70 feet high, adorned with colorful tiles, frescoes, and mosaics reflecting the culture, society, and arts of that era. Each tile, design, and color has been restored based on historical evidence.
The conservation team removed plaster applied during the British period to restore the original design and geometry. Experts claim the wall’s motifs document the lifestyle and intellectual traditions of the Mughal period.
During restoration, materials and colors underwent chemical testing to ensure the restored sections harmonize with the original artwork. According to the conservation team, new tiles were closely matched to the original Mughal-era tiles.
Zeenat Nasir noted that rainwater, humidity, and poor drainage had damaged the wall. Materials used in the restoration were chosen to withstand current climatic conditions.
The project began with documentation in 2015, with restoration work starting in 2018. The project cost approximately 1.5 million U.S. dollars, funded by the Punjab government and various international organizations.
