Kumar Bahukhandi
A view of Rashtrapati Bhavan from the gardens in New Delhi. The approved Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum will occupy the nearby North and South Block complex. Photo: Wikipedia.
The national museum will occupy the historic North and South Block buildings. Its first gallery, on adornment, is expected to open in late 2027.
Key Highlights
- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the project at an estimated cost of ₹3,230 crore.
- The museum will repurpose North and South Block while preserving their architectural character.
- The proposed built-up area is approximately 1,78,509 square metres.
- Work will proceed in phases from 2026–27 through 2030–31.
New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. The ₹3,230-crore project will turn the historic North and South Block complex into a public museum tracing India’s civilisational history through its arts, cultural traditions and knowledge systems.
From government offices to public galleries
The relocation of government offices has made the two buildings available for the project. The Ministry of Culture will adapt them for exhibitions, collection storage and conservation while retaining their architectural character. The plans also include visitor facilities, landscaping and immersive displays.
The government projects that the museum will have the world’s largest display area. The proposed 1,78,509 square metres refers to the total built-up area, which also includes space for conservation, storage, visitor services and other facilities.
North Block’s first gallery expected in late 2027
The first gallery, titled Adornment, is expected to open to visitors in North Block in late 2027. Further galleries will open in phases as work progresses. The project is scheduled to run through the 2030–31 financial year.
Modi first announced the museum on 18 May 2023. The Public Investment Board appraised the proposal on 27 July 2026, and the Ministry of Culture concurred with its recommendations before the Cabinet committee cleared the project.
