The Ministry of Culture has announced a landmark partnership with France Museums Developpement (FMD) to develop the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum as a world-class cultural institution.
This ambitious project is an integral part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project and is set to span approximately 1,55,000 square meters across the iconic North and South Blocks in New Delhi.
The museum, envisioned as a celebration of India’s unbroken civilizational history, was first announced by the Prime Minister at the International Museum Expo in May 2023 and further highlighted during the inauguration of Bharat Mandapam in the following July.
As part of this agreement, India and France will collaborate on a comprehensive feasibility study, encompassing museum case studies, interpretive planning, and building programming. This strategic partnership builds on years of cultural cooperation between the two nations.
France’s renowned expertise in museum development, exemplified by the Grand Louvre, will play a pivotal role in shaping this project. The adaptive reuse of the historic North and South Blocks will ensure the preservation of their architectural heritage while creating a vibrant and efficient cultural space.
The Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum will be developed through Adaptive Reuse, in collaboration with France, renowned for its expertise in such projects, exemplified by the Louvre, Grand Palais, and Hôtel de la Marine.
This approach mirrors France's "Grands Projets" initiative, which saw the transformation of government buildings into iconic cultural spaces, most notably the Louvre. This historical precedent, where a government ministry vacated a landmark building to create a world-class museum, provides a valuable framework for the development of the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum.
This collaboration is a testament to the shared commitment of both countries to cultural exchange and heritage preservation. It builds upon the Letter of Intent signed in 2020, which emphasized museum and heritage cooperation.
The recent visit of the Prime Minister to Paris in 2023 further solidified this partnership, resulting in another Letter of Intent outlining specific areas of technical collaboration for the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum.
Union Minister for Culture & Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, expressed the vision behind the project:
“This landmark partnership with France will transform the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum into a global beacon of India's rich cultural heritage. Serving as a shining beacon of India's rich and vibrant heritage, the YYBNM is poised to illuminate the journey toward a progressive and inclusive future.
Far beyond the traditional idea of a museum, it will redefine the cultural experience by celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and amplifying the voices of our communities. This iconic institution will not only honour India's timeless legacy as the cradle of democracy but also inspire generations to come by bridging the past, present, and future in a powerful narrative of Modern India.”
The museum will serve as a global cultural landmark by combining India’s deep-rooted cultural legacy with France’s expertise in museum management and design. Its development will breathe new life into the historic North and South Blocks, preserving their unique architectural features while reimagining their purpose.
This initiative also reaffirms India’s commitment to sustainable and adaptive reuse, ensuring the efficient use of space while honouring India’s built heritage and historical traditions. The Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum will redefine the museum experience, offering a platform that celebrates India’s heritage while embracing contemporary narratives.
Through this collaboration, India and France continue to strengthen their cultural bonds, setting a benchmark for international partnerships in heritage preservation.