Cabinet approves construction of Yuge Yugin Bharat Museum in New Delhi

According to an official PIB report, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the construction of the 'Yuge Yugin Bharat Museum' (YYBM) in the North and South Block complex in New Delhi. The estimated total cost of this ambitious project has been set at ₹3,230 crore, which was evaluated by the Public Investment Board (PIB). The announcement for the establishment of this museum was made by the Prime Minister on 18 May 2023. The proposal for this project was approved by the Public Investment Board on 27 July 2026, and the Ministry of Culture has also expressed its concurrence with its recommendations.

After shifting government offices from the historic North and South Block buildings elsewhere, it has been decided to use this space for public cultural purposes. The main objective of this project is to give these iconic buildings a new institutional identity while preserving their architectural and heritage aspects. This project will be implemented in a phased manner during the financial years 2026-27 to 2030-31. The first gallery, based on the theme of 'Adornment', is expected to be opened to the public in the North Block in the latter half of 2027. A modular approach is being adopted to add more galleries.

Analysis of content and collections for the museum is currently underway. In this process, approximately 18 lakh items have been identified from the National Museum, other museums of the Ministry of Culture, 52 ASI site museums, as well as various state museums and private collections, which will be displayed in this museum. Other galleries are being prepared on various themes such as architecture and cityscapes, mathematics and astronomy, languages and scripts, faith and spirituality, and Bharat Connects - trade and ideas. The project will be implemented under integrated project management, design, and technical supervision.

This museum is expected to bring significant results in terms of culture, education, economy, and employment. The cost of ₹3,230 crore has been determined keeping in mind detailed architectural and exhibition design, engineering, and museum planning requirements. This museum will generate revenue through ticket sales, food and beverage facilities, events, digital experiences, guided tours, and retail outlets. The museum is being equipped to handle 1 crore visitors annually. It will become a center of knowledge and research for the general public, students, researchers, scholars, and tourists.

North and South Block are important administrative complexes of the Government of India located in New Delhi. For decades, these buildings remained the headquarters of the country's important ministries and administrative offices, which are now set to be transformed into a museum for the preservation of cultural heritage.