Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum: ₹3,230 Crore Project Approved at North and South Block, New Delhi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the creation of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum (YYBM). The project, which will cost an estimated Rs 3,230 crore has been approved for implementation between FY 2026-27 and FY 2030-31. The large scale museum will showcase India’s rich culture, knowledge and traditions through themed galleries.

What is the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum?

The Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum will be a national level museum aimed at showcasing the continuity, diversity and richness of India’s civilisation through artefacts and galleries. The museum will utilise both tangible and intangible artefacts.

The museum will be created through retrofitting the historic North and South Blocks.

It will have the largest exhibition space globally with the proposed built up area of 1,78,509 sq.m.

Features of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum:

• Name: Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum (YYBM)
• Location: North and South Block Complex, New Delhi
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture
• Estimated Cost: Rs 3,230 Crore
• Built up Area: 1,78,509 sq.m
• Timeline: FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31
• Capacity: 1 crore visitors annually
• Appraisal by: Public Investment Board
• First Gallery: Adornment
• Opening Date: Late 2027

Themes of Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum

The museum will showcase the history of India’s civilisation through themed galleries.

The main themes include,

• Adornment – The first gallery. Expected to open in the North Block in late 2027.
• Architecture – Showcasing India’s architectural heritage.
• Mathematics and Astronomy – Showcase India’s achievements within mathematics and astronomy.
• Languages and Scripts – Showcase the progression of languages within India.
• Faith and Belief – Showcase the religious heritage of India.
• Bharat Connects – Showcase how India has connected with other regions through trade and ideas.

Approximately 1.8 million artefacts have been identified to be displayed. Artefacts will be sourced from the National Museum, other museums under the Ministry of Culture, 52 museums under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), State Museums and private collections.

The project will be done using a modular approach.

Background of the Project

The museum was announced by PM Narendra Modi on 18th May 2023.

Due to the relocation of government offices from the North and South Blocks, there was an opportunity to utilise these historic buildings.

On 27 th July 2026 the project was appraised by the Public Investment Board (PIB). The Ministry of Culture agreed with the recommendations and the project was approved by the Cabinet in November 2026. The museum has been approved to be created with an estimated cost of Rs 3,230 Crore.

Timeline of Museum

• 18th May 2023: Project Announced
• 27th July 2026: Appraised by PIB.
• 11th November 2026: Cabinet Approved
• FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31: Project Implementation
• Late 2027: First Gallery opens.

Impact of the Museum

1. Preservation of Heritage

This museum will provide a single source of documentation and showcasing of India’s tangible and intangible artefacts.

2. Retrofitting of heritage buildings

The North and South Blocks will be given new life as a public cultural facility.

3. Boost for Cultural Tourism

With the ability to provide 1 crore visitors annually the museum will be a major attraction for domestic and international visitors.

4. Educational

Will help the public learn about the history of India and provide research opportunities.

5. Job Creation

During construction and operation of the museum there will be new jobs created for artisans, researchers, museologists, designers, performers and tourism related roles.

6. Make in India

Opportunities will be provided for domestic manufacturers, artisans, conservators and technology providers through vendor development and creating artefacts.

Cost of Project and Income

The project is estimated to cost Rs 3,230 Crore. This will include the cost of creating galleries, storage for artefacts, conservation areas, visitor facilities, immersive technology, landscaping, intelligent building systems and infrastructure.

The museum will provide recurrent income through,

• Ticket Sales
• Food facilities
• Events and Hire
• Digital experiences
• Retail outlets