Yuge Yugeen Bharat: Delhi's North, South blocks set to become world's largest museum

India’s Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirmed that the North and South Blocks in Delhi’s Raisina Hill complex will be transformed into the world’s largest museum, named 'Yuge Yugeen Bharat.' The project aims to showcase India’s history over 5,000 years through eight thematic segments, with an exhibition area exceeding that of the Louvre Museum in France by 1.5 times. The museum will span 1.5 lakh square meters across 950 rooms, including a basement and three storeys. Work has already begun on restoring the buildings to their original 1912–1931 design, following decades of internal modifications. The North Block, previously housing ministries like Home and Finance, has been vacated, while the South Block—home to the Prime Minister’s Office and Defence Ministry—will be cleared gradually. Shekhawat stated that the Prime Minister’s Office and Defence Ministry have already relocated, with other ministries expected to follow in the next few months. The museum’s design will preserve the original architecture while making necessary adaptations, such as covering courtyards with glass roofs and sealing verandas to integrate them into the exhibition spaces. An underground tunnel will connect the two blocks, and additional facilities like a reception area, cafeteria, and amphitheatre are being planned. The project is led by a consortium selected through a global tender, with a target completion date of 2028 for the first phase. The North and South Blocks, designed by Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker alongside Rashtrapati Bhavan, form the core of Delhi’s historic Raisina Hill complex. Shekhawat emphasized that the restoration will maintain the buildings’ original design while ensuring structural integrity and modern museum requirements. The museum is expected to offer a comprehensive cultural experience, blending heritage preservation with contemporary exhibition techniques.