Cabinet approves Rs 3,230-crore Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at North, South Block Complex in New Delhi
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at the historic North and South Block...
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at the historic North and South Block complex in New Delhi, at an estimated cost of Rs 3,230 crore.
The project, appraised by the Public Investment Board (PIB), aims to establish a landmark civilisational museum showcasing India’s cultural heritage, diversity and historical continuity through an integrated presentation of its tangible and intangible heritage.
The museum will be developed by adaptively reusing the historic North and South Block buildings, preserving their architectural character and heritage significance while transforming them into a major public cultural institution.
Spread across a proposed built-up area of approximately 1,78,509 square metres, the museum will incorporate contemporary museum practices, immersive technologies and visitor-centric facilities. According to the government, it is envisaged to have the world’s largest museum display area.
The museum will showcase India’s civilisational journey through curated thematic galleries, exhibitions and displays highlighting the country’s cultural traditions, knowledge systems, artistic practices and heritage.
The project will include gallery development, collection storage and conservation facilities, visitor amenities, immersive technological experiences, landscaping, intelligent building systems and associated infrastructure.
The institution is being planned in accordance with international best practices in museum management, heritage conservation, exhibition design and sustainable cultural development, while reflecting India’s diverse cultural context.
Background
The establishment of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 18, 2023.
Following the relocation of government offices from the historic North and South Block buildings, the project seeks to give the iconic structures a new public and cultural purpose while preserving their architectural and heritage value.
The proposal was appraised by the Public Investment Board on July 27, 2026, and the Ministry of Culture has concurred with its recommendations.
Implementation and development timeline
The project will be implemented in phases between the financial years 2026-27 and 2030-31.
The first inaugural gallery, based on the theme of ‘Adornment’, is expected to open to the public in the North Block in the latter half of 2027. A modular development approach is being planned to facilitate the addition of more galleries in subsequent phases.
According to the government, content and collection analysis is underway, with approximately 1.8 million objects identified from the National Museum and other museums under the Ministry of Culture, 52 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) site museums, state museums and private collections for potential display at the museum.
Other proposed galleries will focus on themes such as Architecture and Cityscapes, Mathematics and Astronomy, Languages and Scripts, Faith and Spirituality, and Bharat Connects – Trade and Ideas.
The project will be executed through coordinated project management, design and technical supervision, quality assurance and periodic monitoring.
Cultural, educational and economic impact
The Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum is expected to generate significant cultural, educational, economic and employment opportunities.
It will provide an integrated institutional platform to showcase India’s civilisational evolution, continuity and diversity, strengthening the preservation and dissemination of the country’s tangible and intangible heritage.
The adaptive reuse of the North and South Block buildings will also give the historic structures a prominent public cultural role while retaining their architectural significance.
The museum is expected to emerge as a major domestic and international tourism destination, attracting visitors and strengthening India’s global cultural presence and soft power.
It will also create opportunities for public learning, academic research, knowledge exchange and engagement with India’s diverse cultural traditions and knowledge systems.
The project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment during both its construction and operational phases. Opportunities will be created for artisans, craftspeople, researchers, museologists, designers, performers and other creative professionals, while also supporting livelihoods in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
As part of the Make in India initiative, structured vendor development programmes will encourage domestic manufacturing of world-class museum materials and products, creating opportunities for Indian artisans, manufacturers, conservation experts and technology providers.
The integration of modern museum technologies and accessible visitor facilities is also expected to improve public engagement and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Project cost and revenue generation
The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 3,230 crore. The estimate is based on detailed architectural and exhibition designs, engineering requirements, museum planning and technical assessments conducted by the concerned agencies.
The museum is expected to generate recurring revenue through ticket sales, food and beverage services, events, venue rentals, digital experiences, guided tours, retail outlets and other visitor facilities.
It is being designed to accommodate an annual footfall of up to one crore visitors.
Beneficiaries and geographical coverage
Envisaged as a national public cultural institution, the museum will cater to the general public, students, researchers, scholars, cultural practitioners and domestic and international tourists.
It will provide a platform for learning, research, cultural engagement and greater appreciation of India’s civilisational heritage.
The museum will be located at the North and South Block complex in New Delhi. While its physical infrastructure will be concentrated in the national capital, it is expected to serve visitors from all states and Union Territories, as well as international tourists.
-PIB
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