New Delhi: India is preparing to make a major mark on the global cultural map with the development of what is set to become the world's largest museum in terms of display area. The ambitious project, named the 'Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum', will come up in the historic North Block and South Block buildings in the heart of New Delhi. Once completed, the museum will have a display area exceeding that of the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris and the British Museum in London.
The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the project on November 11, with an estimated investment of Rs 3,230 crore. The museum will cover a proposed built-up area of approximately 1,78,509 square metres. Its planned display area will exceed 1 lakh square metres, significantly larger than the Louvre's 73,000 square metres and the British Museum's 70,000 square metres.
The project will transform the historic North and South Block buildings, which previously housed important government ministries, into a major cultural and heritage institution. Instead of demolishing the existing structures, the government plans to adopt an adaptive reuse approach, preserving their architectural character while giving them a new purpose.
According to the approved implementation plan, the project will be developed in phases between the financial years 2026-27 and 2030-31. The first gallery, dedicated to the theme of 'Adornment', is expected to open to visitors in the latter part of 2027 in the North Block.
The museum aims to showcase India's civilisational journey through thousands of years of history. Its proposed galleries will explore subjects ranging from architecture and cityscapes to mathematics, astronomy, languages, scripts, faith, spirituality, trade and cultural exchanges.
One of the most significant aspects of the project is its collection. Around 1.8 million objects have been identified from the National Museum, other museums under the Ministry of Culture, 52 Archaeological Survey of India site museums, state museums and private collections for potential display.
The museum is being designed to combine traditional heritage with modern exhibition techniques, immersive technologies and interactive experiences. It is also expected to accommodate around one crore visitors annually.
Beyond its cultural significance, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities for researchers, artisans, conservation experts, designers and professionals associated with tourism and hospitality.
With an estimated completion target of March 2031, the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum is envisioned as a major international destination for history, art and cultural exploration. Delhi could soon become home to a museum whose exhibition space surpasses some of the world's most celebrated cultural institutions.
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