How to reach Mohatta Palace Museum in Clifton, what to bring and what to expect at the Sindh Literature Festival on 21–22 November 2026.
Mohatta Palace Museum is at 7 Hatim Alvi Road, Block 5, Old Clifton, Karachi, and it hosts the Sindh Literature Festival on 21–22 November 2026. Book a free pass before you go, keep it on your phone, and enter through either of the two gates.
A short history of the building
Mohatta Palace was built in 1927 as a summer home for Shivratan Chandraratan Mohatta, a businessman from Marwar. The architect, Ahmed Hussain Agha, used pink stone from Jodhpur with yellow stone from Gizri in Karachi, which is why the building looks warm and almost rose-coloured in the afternoon light.
After 1947 the palace was used by the Government of Pakistan for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 1964 Fatima Jinnah moved in, and for some years it was known as Qasr-e-Fatima. The Government of Sindh bought the building in 1995 to turn it into a museum, and it opened to the public in 1999.
How to get there
The museum is in Old Clifton, between Hatim Alvi Road and Motilal Goverdhandas Road, a few minutes' drive from Clifton Beach.
- Ride-hailing or taxi: search for "Mohatta Palace Museum" and set your drop-off on Hatim Alvi Road.
- Car: parking details will be shared on the festival website closer to the date. Arrive early on the evening of the music session, when it gets busiest.
- Public transport: buses run along Clifton's main roads. Check your route to Old Clifton before you set off.
What you'll find inside
The festival map shows two entry gates, a session stage, a music stage, book stalls, other stalls and a food area. There is a help desk for directions and lost items, a first aid point and toilets.
When to arrive
The inauguration on the first day, the music evening and the Safeer-e-Sindh Award session on the second day draw the biggest crowds. If you want a seat for any of them, come early. Check the programme on the festival website for times.
What to bring
- Your free pass, on your phone or printed. One pass covers both days.
- A separate pass for each person, children included.
- Money for books, crafts and food. Stall holders sell directly, so cash is useful.
- A light shawl for the evening sessions. Late November nights in Karachi can be cool.
Visiting with children
Children are welcome and need their own free pass. If your group gets separated, go to the help desk, where volunteers will help.
Quick answers
Where is Mohatta Palace Museum? 7 Hatim Alvi Road, Block 5, Old Clifton, Karachi.
When was Mohatta Palace built? In 1927. It became a museum in 1999.
Do I need a ticket for SLF at Mohatta Palace? You need a free pass, booked online. There is no charge.
Is there food at the festival? Yes. Food stalls are open across both days.
