World's largest museum to come up in Delhi; Yuge Yugeen Bharat to surpass Louvre and British Museum

New Delhi: The iconic North and South Block buildings on Raisina Hill are poised for a historic transformation. Once the existing government offices are relocated, these heritage structures will be converted into the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum, an expansive institution dedicated to showcasing India’s civilisational journey.

On November 11, 2026, the Union Cabinet granted approval for the ambitious project at an estimated outlay of Rs 3,230 crore. Encompassing a proposed built-up area of 1,78,509 square metres, the facility is designed to become the largest museum in the world by display area, surpassing global landmarks such as the Louvre Museum in France and the British Museum.

Prime Minister’s vision for cultural heritage

Reacting to the Cabinet's nod, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to outline the ambition behind the initiative, stating, “Think scale. Think culture.” Hailing it as a landmark chapter for India’s cultural heritage, the Prime Minister noted that the institution would bring millennia of history alive through world-class galleries and immersive experiences.

First announced by PM Modi on May 18, 2023, the national museum aims to chronicle India's broader civilisational narrative rather than focusing on a single era or discipline. It will weave together both tangible and intangible heritage—spanning historical artefacts, artistic legacies, cultural traditions, languages, and ancient knowledge systems.

Thematic galleries and first phase launch in 2027

To present these vast collections, the government will deploy thematic exhibitions alongside immersive technology. Key gallery themes will explore.

• Adornment (The inaugural gallery, scheduled to open in the North Block in the latter half of 2027)
• Architecture and Cityscapes
• Mathematics and Astronomy
• Languages and Scripts
• Faith and Spirituality
• Bharat Connects: Trade and Ideas

The museum is slated for phased development between FY 2026–27 and FY 2030–31, with subsequent galleries opening progressively following the 2027 debut.

18 lakh artefacts identified nationwide

A defining highlight of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum is the sheer scale of its collection. Authorities have already identified roughly 18 lakh (1.8 million) objects for the project.
These artefacts are being sourced from

• The National Museum and other institutions under the Ministry of Culture
• 52 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) site museums
• Various state museums and private collections

Currently undergoing collection and content analysis, the project will also house specialised conservation and storage facilities.

Visitor capacity and revenue model

Designed to welcome up to one crore visitors annually, the museum is projected to emerge as a premier cultural hub in the national capital, drawing domestic and international tourists alongside students, researchers, and scholars. Beyond cultural preservation, the complex is structured to be financially sustainable, generating revenue through ticket sales, guided tours, retail outlets, food and beverage hubs, venue rentals, events, and digital experiences.