New Delhi: India and France have joined forces on a landmark initiative to create the world’s largest museum, the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum. Located on Raisina Hill, this museum will narrate India’s rich cultural heritage, spanning over 5,000 years. “Culture in many ways is the essence of soft power,” noted Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar during the announcement of this historic collaboration.
The museum will occupy the iconic North Block and South Block buildings, which currently house key government ministries, including foreign affairs, home, defence, and finance. This ambitious project aims to preserve and showcase India’s legacy while repurposing these architectural marvels into a center of cultural significance.
Covering an area of 1.17 lakh square meters and comprising 950 rooms over a basement and three stories, the museum represents a monumental effort in adaptive reuse of historical spaces. The French government, with its vast experience in similar projects such as the Louvre in Paris, is a key partner in this endeavor. France’s expertise in transforming historically significant buildings into cultural hubs made it an ideal collaborator for this initiative.
Foreign Minister Jaishankar emphasized the importance of international cooperation in this project, stating, “What is being seen today is a very important expression of international cooperation, one that is built on exchanges of best practices, on sharing of experiences.” He further remarked, “When the South Block and North Block become the kind of museum that is envisaged, I think we will veritably be seeing an inspiration for the remaking of Bharat.”
The North Block and South Block buildings, along with the Rashtrapati Bhavan, were designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker between 1911 and 1931. These structures, located at the heart of India’s Central Government complex, symbolize the country’s historical and political legacy.
Drawing a parallel with the Louvre, Jaishankar highlighted the similarities between the two projects. Like Raisina Hill, the Louvre was initially part of a grand palatial building in Paris that housed the French finance ministry before being transformed into one of the world’s most famous museums. France’s involvement in the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum underscores its commitment to adaptive reuse and cultural preservation.
Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat revealed that the mapping and blueprinting work for the museum has been nearly completed in the North Block and is currently underway in the South Block. While the project’s timeline for completion and inauguration has yet to be announced, the vision for the museum is already taking shape.
A government release detailed the goals of the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum, describing it as a reimagined cultural space that celebrates India’s rich heritage while incorporating contemporary narratives. The museum aims to redefine the visitor experience, blending historical storytelling with modern technological innovations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared a glimpse of the proposed museum through an illustration video on his YouTube channel. The video highlighted the museum’s impressive scale and design, offering a preview of its unique features.
As this project unfolds, it promises to become a global cultural landmark, cementing India’s place on the world stage as a custodian of heritage and innovation. By repurposing Raisina Hill’s historic buildings into a museum, India will not only preserve its architectural legacy but also inspire generations to connect with their roots.
An official announcement regarding the project’s completion and grand opening is eagerly awaited, as this partnership between India and France sets the stage for a historic transformation of Raisina Hill.