Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum: ₹3,230 Crore Project to Reuse Delhi’s North and South Blocks

The news

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 11, 2026, approved the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum through adaptive reuse of the North and South Block complex in New Delhi, at an estimated total project cost of ₹3,230 crore. The museum is envisaged as a landmark institution showcasing the continuity, diversity and richness of India’s civilisational legacy through an integrated narrative of its tangible and intangible cultural heritage, according to officials.

The project, appraised by the Public Investment Board on July 27, 2026, and concurred by the Ministry of Culture, will be implemented in phases from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. Spread over a proposed built-up area of approximately 1,78,509 square metres, the museum is billed to have the largest display area in the world. The first gallery, themed ‘Adornment’, is expected to open in the North Block in the latter part of 2027. The government said the museum is being equipped to handle a visitor flow of one crore visitors annually and is expected to generate recurring revenue through ticket sales, food and beverage facilities, events, digital experiences, guided tours and retail outlets.

What is the history of the North and South Blocks?

The North Block and South Block flanking Rashtrapati Bhavan atop Raisina Hill, along with the old Parliament House, were built as part of the new capital of Delhi envisioned by the British Raj during 1912–1931. The relocation of government offices from these historic buildings has created an opportunity for their adaptive reuse as a public cultural institution, preserving their architectural and heritage character.

How will the museum be developed and what will it offer?

The project encompasses gallery development, collection storage and conservation facilities, visitor amenities, integration of immersive technologies, landscaping, intelligent building systems and associated infrastructure. The museum will present India’s civilisational journey through curated thematic galleries, exhibitions and interpretation of diverse cultural traditions, knowledge systems, artistic practices and heritage. It is being developed in alignment with international best practices in museum planning, heritage conservation, exhibition design and sustainable cultural management, adapted to India’s context.

What is the next step and revenue model?

The project will be delivered in phases from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31, with the first Adornment gallery expected in the latter part of 2027. The museum is expected to generate recurring revenue through ticket sales, food and beverage facilities, events and venue rentals, digital experiences, guided tours, retail outlets and other visitor services. It is being equipped to handle one crore visitors annually, and is intended for the general public, students, researchers, scholars, cultural practitioners, and domestic and international tourists.