The initiative to restore the North and South Blocks in Delhi to their original architectural design has commenced, paving the way for their conversion into the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced that a consortium selected through a global tender will oversee the ambitious project, with the aim of completing its first phase by 2028, as per directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Projected to be the largest museum globally, the facility will comprise eight thematic sections, narrating the history of India over 5,000 years. It will be situated in the heart of the capital, covering approximately 1.5 lakh square metres and featuring 950 rooms across a basement and three levels, according to earlier statements from officials.

With the North Block, formerly home to several government ministries, having already been vacated, plans are underway to gradually clear the South Block, which accommodates key ministries as well. Shekhawat confirmed that offices, including the Prime Minister’s Office and Defence Ministry, are in the process of relocation.

Restoration Plans and Architectural Integrity

The new museum aims to preserve the structural integrity of the original blocks, which were constructed from 1912 to 1931 by architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. Shekhawat remarked that numerous alterations had been made to these buildings over the past century, including the addition of partitions, bathrooms, and air conditioning units. Currently, efforts are focused on restoring the buildings to their initial design, with tender processes already initiated.

Once the restoration and structural fortification are completed, the transformation into a museum will begin. While maintaining the rooms’ original designs, some necessary modifications will be made to adapt the spaces for museum functions. For instance, the existing courtyards will be covered with all-weather glass roofs, integrating them into the museum’s layout, along with modifications to galleries and verandas for enhanced visitor experience.

Plans also include creating an underground tunnel to link the two Blocks and enclosing various areas such as the reception, cafeteria, experience centre, and conference facilities, ensuring a coherent flow throughout the museum.

Significance and Anticipated Impact

The ambition behind the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is to celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage while fostering a connection between its historical past and future aspirations. Currently, the Louvre Museum in France holds the title of the world’s largest museum. Upon completion, the new museum is expected to surpass the Louvre in exhibition space, effectively revitalising the historical significance of the North and South Blocks.

Minister Shekhawat highlighted the importance of expert collaboration in this project, stating that a global tender has successfully secured a consortium comprised of heritage architects and museologists. This ensures that both technical and financial viability are upheld throughout the museum’s development.

During the inauguration of the first International Museum Expo on May 18, 2023, Prime Minister Modi presented a video walkthrough of the conceptual museum. In December 2024, an agreement was formalised between the National Museum and France Museums Development for technical cooperation in the museum’s development. With estimates suggesting that the museum could attract 30,000 to 35,000 visitors daily, ongoing work aims to enhance accessibility, including the establishment of metro services and a nearby bus terminus.

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