Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum: India, France collaborate on world's largest museum near Rashtrapati Bhawan
PTC Web Desk: Foreign Minister S Jaishankar described the collaboration between India and France as a "project of great national importance" as the two nations signed an agreement to build the world’s largest museum on Raisina Hill, in front of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The museum, named Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum, will chronicle the history of India over a span of more than 5,000 years.
Located on Raisina Hill, the museum will occupy the North and South Block buildings, which currently house several key government ministries, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Finance.
The Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum will span 1.17 lakh square metres, with 950 rooms spread across a basement and three floors. Jaishankar said this project was not only a significant heritage initiative but also an international cooperation effort that draws on best practices and shared experiences. He noted, "This museum will inspire the remaking of Bharat."
The two iconic blocks, North and South Block, were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker between 1911 and 1931, and they face the Rashtrapati Bhawan, symbolising the power and history of the Indian government.
France, with its vast expertise in adaptive reuse of historic buildings—demonstrated by its renowned Louvre Museum—has joined the project, bringing experience in transforming significant structures for modern use.
The project is progressing, with mapping and blueprint work nearly complete for the North Block. The South Block is currently undergoing similar work, according to Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an illustrative video on YouTube showcasing the vision for the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum, which aims to redefine the museum experience by blending India’s rich heritage with modern narratives.
While the official announcement regarding the completion and grand opening is awaited, the museum is set to become a global symbol of India's culture, history, and international collaboration.
- With inputs from agencies
