India and France Collaborate to Establish World’s Largest Museum

The Ministry of Culture, in partnership with France Museums Développement (FMD), has launched an ambitious project to develop the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum as a global cultural landmark. Spanning approximately 1,55,000 square meters across the North and South Blocks in New Delhi, the museum will celebrate India’s civilizational history and serve as a cornerstone of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.

Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the International Museum Expo in May 2023 and emphasized further during the inauguration of Bharat Mandapam in July, the initiative reflects a commitment to cultural heritage preservation and international collaboration.

Adaptive Reuse and Global Standards

France’s Expertise in Museum Development: Drawing inspiration from France’s “Grands Projets” initiative, such as the Louvre and Hôtel de la Marine, the adaptive reuse model will preserve the architectural heritage of the North and South Blocks while reimagining them as vibrant cultural spaces.

Phase-wise Implementation: The project will be executed in two phases, with the North Block transformation targeted for June 2026. The ministries of finance, home affairs, and others will relocate to the Common Central Secretariat by March 2025 to facilitate the retrofitting.

Vision and Legacy

Cultural and Architectural Significance: Envisioned as the world’s largest museum, surpassing the Louvre, the museum will combine India’s rich legacy with France’s expertise in museum management and design.

Preservation Meets Innovation: The project emphasizes sustainable development, blending India’s architectural traditions with modern narratives, creating a unique platform for cultural exchange and inclusivity.

Strengthening Indo-French Ties

Historical Collaboration: This partnership builds on a 2020 Letter of Intent on museum cooperation and was reinforced during the Prime Minister’s 2023 visit to Paris.

Diplomatic Insights: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted this collaboration as a testament to Indo-French ties, enhancing cultural bonds and fostering democratic global governance.

Summary of the news

Key Point	Details
Why in News	India partnered with France Museums Développement (FMD) to develop the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum, part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. The first phase will retrofit the North Block by June 2026.
Museum Area	Approximately 1,55,000 square meters across the North and South Blocks, New Delhi.
Largest Museum	Expected to surpass the Louvre in Paris as the world’s largest museum.
Development Approach	Adaptive reuse of North and South Blocks with guidance from France’s expertise in museum management.
Phased Timeline	North Block retrofitting: Completion by June 2026; Ministries to vacate by March 2025.
Partners	India’s Ministry of Culture and France Museums Développement (FMD).
France’s Expertise	Inspired by France’s “Grands Projets,” including the Louvre, Grand Palais, and Hôtel de la Marine.
Central Vista Connection	Part of the larger Central Vista Redevelopment Project in New Delhi.
Letter of Intent	Signed in 2020 for museum and heritage cooperation; reaffirmed during PM Modi’s visit to Paris in 2023.
Targeted Vision	Combining India’s cultural heritage with modern narratives to create a global cultural landmark.