The first gallery of the upcoming Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum, envisioned as the world’s largest museum, is expected to open by the end of 2026, according to sources aware of the project’s progress.
A consortium led by Arcop Associates has been selected as the top bidder for design consultancy, while the Ministry of Culture is in the process of finalising a content development team. The overall concept note for the museum is expected to be ready within the next 36 months.
As part of the Central Vista redevelopment project, the North and South Block buildings—designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1930s—are being repurposed into the museum space. Once completed, the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum will span over 1.55 lakh square metres, replacing the existing National Museum.
Currently, the North Block is being restored to its original form, following the relocation of ministries to Kartavya Path Bhawan. Electrical fittings and non-original partitions are being removed, while the South Block is expected to be vacated in the coming months as the PMO moves to the Executive Enclave.
The Arcop-led consortium’s team includes Kulapat Yantrasast, principal architect and co-founder of WHY Architecture, Los Angeles, renowned for projects such as the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (LA) and new galleries for the Louvre (Paris).
The museum will feature eight thematic sections with around 30 galleries, housing over 20,000 artefacts, including rare items sourced from across India. Officials emphasised that content will play a crucial role in shaping visitor engagement and ensuring a seamless integration between architecture, exhibition design, and the overall experience.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Shekhawat stated, “On-ground work for the museum will begin by year end. By 2027, we will have the first of the eight museum verticals ready. Once completed, we expect a daily footfall of 50,000 visitors.”
The first gallery, tentatively titled ‘Time and Timelessness’, will be located on the ground floor of the North Block. It is expected to feature 100 landmark artefacts exploring Bharat’s civilisational relationship with time, encompassing cultural, philosophical, and scientific evolution.
The overarching theme—“5,000 years of Indian civilisation”—reflects the museum’s name, Yuge Yugeen Bharat, symbolising India’s enduring spirit. The collection will span from Indus Valley terracotta artefacts (2500–1700 BCE) to Gupta-era sculptures and Chola bronzes from the 10th–11th centuries, showcasing the timeless continuity of Indian civilisation.
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