A consortium led by Arcop Associates has been selected as the top bidder for the architectural and exhibition design of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum. Restoration work on the North Block has begun. The first gallery is expected to open by the end of 2026. This marks a key step in transforming the North and South Blocks into the world's largest museum as part of the Central Vista project.
What is the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum and its main purpose?
The Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum is an upcoming national museum in New Delhi that will replace the existing National Museum. It will highlight 5,000 years of Indian civilisation in a "perennial" way, showing how historical events, personalities, ideas, and achievements have shaped modern India.
The name "Yuge Yugeen" comes from Sanskrit, meaning timeless across eras. It will blend architectural restoration with modern exhibition design to create immersive experiences for visitors.
This project is part of the Central Vista redevelopment, turning old government buildings into cultural spaces to preserve heritage while promoting education and tourism.
What is the background of the North and South Blocks and why are they being restored?
The North and South Blocks were built in the 1930s by British architect Edwin Lutyens as part of New Delhi's colonial administrative hub. They housed key ministries and the Prime Minister's Office for decades.
Under the Central Vista project, these buildings are being repurposed after government offices move to new structures like Kartavya Bhawan and the Executive Enclave. Restoration removes modern additions like partitions and wiring to return them to their original form.
This adaptive reuse preserves historical architecture while creating space for public use, avoiding new construction and honouring India's shift from colonial rule to cultural self-representation.
How was the design consortium selected and what expertise do they bring?
The Union Culture Ministry issued an open tender on July 9, 2025, receiving five bids from international firms. All presented proposals, and Arcop Associates was chosen after evaluating technical and financial aspects.
Led by Kulapat Yantrasast of WHY Architecture, the team excels in blending old structures with modern designs, as seen in the Louvre redevelopment and Academy Museum.
They are surveying sites, finalising concepts for eight sections and 30 galleries, and ensuring seamless integration of architecture, exhibitions, and visitor flow for an engaging experience.
What will the first gallery feature and how does it represent India's timeline?
The ground floor gallery in North Block, called 'Time and Timelessness', will open by end-2026 and display 100 key artefacts exploring India's relationship with time across cultural, philosophical, and scientific developments.
Examples include a terracotta hourglass from the Indus Valley (2500-1700 BC in Kalibangan), Gupta-era sculptures from the 5th century, and Chola bronzes from the 10th-11th centuries in Tamil Nadu.
These items show continuity in Indian innovation, from ancient urban planning to medieval art, teaching visitors about enduring civilisational themes in an accessible way.
What is the overall timeline and expected impact of the museum?
Groundwork starts by 2025 end, with the first gallery in 2026 and initial sections by 2027; full concept note ready in 36 months.
It will showcase over 20,000 artefacts in thematic zones, drawing 50,000 daily visitors to boost cultural education and tourism.
By repurposing iconic buildings, it promotes heritage conservation, reduces import of foreign designs, and aligns with self-reliant India goals in preserving diverse regional stories.
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