India news : Modi government approves $340 million museum in Delhi
India's cabinet has approved the development of the 'Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum' in New Delhi, estimated to cost $340 million and featuring what will be the world's largest museum display area.
The 'Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum' — which translates to 'India through the ages' — was first announced by Modi in 2023. The project will repurpose century-old North and South Blocks in New Delhi's Raisina Hills, which previously housed government offices including Modi's own.
Colonial buildings transformed
The twin colonial-era buildings were vacated over the past year as part of the Modi government's redesigning of India's political power center. The museum will encompass nearly 178,509 square meters and is designed to welcome up to 10 million visitors annually.
Buildings that have been centres of governance will now become a place where millions can discover, experience and celebrate the timeless richness of our civilisation.
Cultural showcase timeline
While the finalization of the project isn't planned until 2030/31, the first gallery focusing on 'adornment' will open to the public next year. Additional galleries will gradually open following the inaugural exhibition.
The government has identified some 1.8 million objects from national and state museums, as well as archaeological and private collections, for possible display. Content and collection analysis is currently underway.
Civilizational celebration
Modi described the museum as a 'magnificent celebration' of India's 'civilizational journey,' noting that its galleries will showcase ancient knowledge systems, mathematics, astronomy, architecture, art, languages, and spirituality through 'immersive experiences.'
The Hindu nationalist government has long sought to emphasize India's pre-colonial cultural identity through such cultural projects, positioning the museum as the country's landmark cultural institution.
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