India, France To Build World's Largest Museum Near Rashtrapati Bhavan: Key Features

New Delhi: India and France Sign Pact to Build World's Largest Museum

India and France have signed a pact to build the world's largest museum near Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The upcoming Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum -- billed to be the largest museum in the world -- will have eight thematic segments telling the story of India spanning over 5,000 years. The new museum, to be housed in the North Block and South Block in the heart of the country's capital, will cover an area of 1.17 lakh sqm with 950 rooms spread over a basement and three storeys, the Indian officials had earlier said.

Currently, the External Affairs Ministry and the Defence Ministry are housed in the South Block while the Finance Ministry and the Home Ministry are located in the North Block. The two identical blocks on the Raisina Hill along with the Rashtrapati Bhavan (earlier Viceroy House), symbols of architectural grandeur and administrative power, were built as part of the 'New Delhi' imperial capital that was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker between 1911-1931.

Jaishankar Remarks on Upcoming Museum

Asserting that culture in many ways is the "essence of soft power", External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said when the North Block and South Block become the grand museum as envisaged, "we will veritably be seeing an inspiration for the remaking of Bharat".

He made the remarks in his address at an event as India's National Museum and France Muséums Développement signed an agreement under which the French agency will share modalities and best practices to transform the British-era landmarks into a "global cultural landmark", dubbed the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum.

Jaishankar in his address said what is being seen today is a "very important expression of international cooperation". An international cooperation that is built on exchanges of best practices, on sharing of experiences. So, as a foreign minister, the mission is to "promote international cooperation", he said.

"We are also seeing a very important cultural collaboration in the making and all of you know, culture in many ways is the essence of soft power," he added. "I also want to remind you that we are gathered here today for a project of great national importance... My ministry is located in it. When the South Block and North Block become the kind of museum that is envisaged, I think we will veritably be seeing an inspiration for the remaking of Bharat," the Union minister said.

In his address, he also touched upon the importance of bilateral ties between India and France. "For us, this has been a very strong relationship, what in our profession, we call it a strategic partnership, and underpinning that has been that India and France see in each other 'important poles' in a multipolar world," the EAM said.

"So, when we deepen our cultural collaboration, in many ways, we are also adding to a particular kind of relationship, which we believe would create a new and more democratic world order," the minister said.

Other Remarks from Officials

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou, and Union Culture Secretary Arunish Chawla were also present on the dais. Shekhawat in his address said the project will "redefine the concept of adaptive reuse" and show "profound respect for India's built heritage". Its development will "breathe new life" into the two historic blocks, preserving their unique architectural features while "reimagining their purpose".

Shekhawat in his address also said the museum will feature advanced digital storytelling, immersive virtual reality installations and interactive exhibits that will "set a new benchmark for cultural institutions worldwide".

"We gather today to formalise a transformative partnership between the government of India and the Republic of France," said Shekhawat. This collaboration marks a "pivotal moment" in the realisation of the iconic Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum, a vision that not only "celebrates India's unparalleled cultural heritage but also embodies the power of international cooperation", he added.

"Today we embark on a journey to create a cultural landmark that will stand as a beacon of India's timeless history and dynamic future, cementing the bonds of friendship between our two great nations," said Shekhawat. He praised France for its global expertise in adaptive reuse of historic buildings, most notably the Louvre Museum, whose old wings are housed in a palatial building. The French Finance Ministry was earlier housed in a wing of the palatial structure of the world-famous museum.

Shekhawat, Mathou, and France Muséums Développement chief executive officer Hervé Barbaret later also interacted with the press at the National Museum. When asked if the new project will replicate the Louvre model or will it be context-specific, Mathou said, "We will bring our expertise" but it is for India to decide on its vision. "But, your National Museum project will definitely be unique," he said.

Mapping work has been almost done in the North Block and it is underway in South Block, the Culture minister added. He projected that after completion, this museum will "globally become the most-visited museum in a very short span of time".

Shekhawat was also asked if any decision has been taken on the future use of the existing over 60-year-old building of the National Museum building on Janpath. "Seeing cultural diversity of India, and the richness that we have, there could be several possibilities for its further alternative use. After thinking on that, whatever will be the wise decision, we will share with you," he said.

Press Trust Of India

"Culture in many ways is the essence of soft power," S Jaishankar said as India and France signed what he called "a project of great national importance" - a museum, the world's largest, which will be...

"Culture in many ways is the essence of soft power," Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said as India and France signed what he called "a project of great national importance" - a museum, the world's largest, which will be located on Raisina Hill - just in front of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The museum, named 'Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum' will tell the story of India - a timeline spanning more than 5,000 years. It will be located on Raisina Hill - the seat of the Central government. The museum will be housed in the North Block and South Block buildings, which are currently the address of the foreign ministry, home ministry, defence ministry, finance ministry, and several other ministerial offices.

The museum - a project of national heritage, prestige, and importance - will cover an area of 1.17 lakh square metres with 950 rooms spread over a basement and three storeys. In his speech after India and France signed the agreement, Mr. Jaishankar said, "What is being seen today is a very important expression of international cooperation, one that is built on exchanges of best practices, on sharing of experiences."

"We are gathered here today for a project of great national importance...When the South Block and North Block become the kind of museum that is envisaged, I think we will veritably be seeing an inspiration for the remaking of Bharat."

The Raisina Hill, which houses the two identical blocks facing each other and the Rashtrapati Bhavan next to them, was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker between 1911-1931.

France, which wanted to be a part of this mega project, has a similar history with respect to its renowned museum - The Louvre - and hence has global expertise in adaptive reuse of historic buildings of archaeological significance.

The Louvre (and its old wings) too were a part of a grand palatial building in France's capital Paris, and the French finance ministry used to be housed in a wing of the palatial structure which we now see as the world-famous museum and landmark.

The mapping work and blueprints have nearly been completed in the North Block and it is currently being carried out throughout the South Block, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said.

Here is an illustration video shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his YouTube page highlighting the salient features of the world's largest museum to-be - the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum:

As per a government release, the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum aims to redefine the museum experience, offering a platform that celebrates India's heritage while embracing contemporary narratives. An official announcement is yet to be made about the completion of the project and subsequently its grand opening.

Abhishek Chakraborty

India and France partnered to transform New Delhi's North and South Blocks into the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum. External affairs minister S Jaishankar highlighted this as a key cultural collaboration and a demonstration of India's soft power. The museum will showcase India's 5,000-year history and is envisioned as a global cultural landmark.

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the important role of culture as a cornerstone of "soft power" on Thursday. He noted that the transformation of the North Block and South Block on Raisina Hill into the world's largest museum, "will veritably be seeing an inspiration for the remaking of Bharat".

The External Affairs Minister made these remarks during an event where India's National Museum and France Muséums Développement signed an agreement. Under this partnership, the French agency will provide expertise and share best practices to transform the British-era landmarks into a "global cultural landmark," envisioned as the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum.

The event was attended by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou, and Union Culture Secretary Arunish Chawla. Jaishankar said, "We are also seeing a very important cultural collaboration in the making and all of you know, culture in many ways is the essence of soft power."

"I also want to remind you that we are gathered here today for a project of great national importance... My ministry is located in it. When the South Block and North Block become the kind of museum that is envisaged, I think we will veritably be seeing an inspiration for the remaking of Bharat," the minister added, news agency PTI reported.

World's Largest Museum Features

Shekhawat, in his speech, highlighted that the project would transform the understanding of adaptive reuse whilst demonstrating deep regard for India's architectural heritage. The forthcoming Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum, set to be the world's largest, will feature eight themed sections chronicling India's 5,000-year history.

The new facility, situated in the North Block and South Block at the centre of the capital, will encompass 1.17 lakh sqm, featuring 950 rooms across a basement and three floors. The development aims to revitalise these historic structures, maintaining their architectural significance whilst adapting their functionality.

The South Block currently houses the External Affairs and Defence Ministries, while the North Block accommodates the Finance and Home Ministries. These two identical structures on Raisina Hill, along with the Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly the Viceroy’s House), stand as iconic symbols of architectural magnificence and administrative authority.

Built between 1911 and 1931, they were key elements of the 'New Delhi' imperial capital, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker.

During his address, the EAM also emphasised the bilateral relations between India and France. "For us, this has been a very strong relationship, what in our profession, we call it a strategic partnership, and underpinning that has been that India and France see in each other 'important poles' in a multipolar world," the EAM said.

"So, when we deepen our cultural collaboration, in many ways, we also add to a particular kind of relationship, which we believe would create a new and more democratic world order," he added.

Shekhawat announced that the museum would incorporate advanced digital narratives, virtual reality installations, and interactive displays that would "set a new benchmark for cultural institutions worldwide". He commended France for its global expertise in the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, citing the Louvre Museum, which is housed in a former palace, as a prime example.

The Culture Minister indicated that mapping work in the North Block is nearly complete, with South Block mapping in progress. He anticipated that upon completion, this museum would "globally become the most-visited museum in a very short span of time".

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