Cabinet Approval for Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum Development
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum (YYBM) at the North and South Block Complex in New Delhi at a total project cost of ₹3,230 crore. The project was appraised by the Public Investment Board (PIB) on 27 July 2026, with the Ministry of Culture concurring with its recommendations.
Project Scope and Design
The museum will be developed through adaptive reuse of the historic North and South Block Complex, preserving their architectural character and heritage significance while transforming them into a public cultural institution. With a proposed built-up area of approximately 1,78,509 square metres, it will become the museum with the largest display area in the world. The development will integrate contemporary museum practices, immersive technologies, and visitor-centric interpretation, benchmarked against major international museums.
Collection and Thematic Focus
The museum will showcase India's civilizational journey through curated thematic galleries and exhibitions interpreting diverse cultural traditions, knowledge systems, and artistic practices. Content and collection analysis has identified approximately 1.8 million objects from the National Museum, other Ministry of Culture museums, 52 Archaeological Survey of India site museums, and various state museums and private collections for display. Thematic galleries will include Adornment (scheduled to open in late 2027), Architecture and Cityscapes, Mathematics and Astronomy, Languages and Scripts, Faith and Spirituality, and Bharat Connects - Trade and Ideas.
Implementation Timeline and Phasing
The project will be implemented in phases from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 using a modular approach to add galleries progressively. The first inaugural gallery on Adornment is expected to open to the public in the North Block in the later part of 2027. Implementation will be undertaken through coordinated project management, design and technical oversight, quality assurance, and periodic monitoring.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The museum is expected to generate significant cultural, educational, economic, and employment outcomes. It will serve as a major cultural destination targeting 1 crore visitors annually, with revenue generation through ticket sales, food and beverage facilities, events, venue rentals, digital experiences, guided tours, and retail outlets. The project will generate direct and indirect employment during construction and operational phases, creating opportunities for artisans, craftspeople, researchers, museologists, designers, performers, and hospitality sector workers. Through structured vendor development initiatives, the project will promote Make in India by encouraging domestic manufacture of world-class museum materials and products.