logoDV
World

India and France Collaborate to Build World's Largest Museum Near Rashtrapati Bhavan

  Photo by - NDTV

Photo by - NDTV

Aishath NashathaAishath Nashatha

21 December 2024 - 09:00

India and France have joined hands to create the 'Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum,' which will showcase India's history spanning over 5,000 years. Set to become the world's largest museum, it will be located on Raisina Hill, right in front of Rashtrapati Bhavan, utilizing the iconic North Block and South Block buildings. These buildings currently house key government ministries, including foreign affairs, home, defence, and finance.

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar described the initiative as a project of great national importance and an example of international cooperation. "This museum will be an inspiration for the remaking of Bharat," he said during the agreement signing ceremony with France, highlighting the exchange of best practices and shared expertise.

The museum will cover an area of 1.17 lakh square meters, featuring 950 rooms across a basement and three storeys. Designed to redefine the museum experience, it aims to celebrate India's rich heritage while integrating contemporary narratives.

France's participation is significant, given its expertise in adaptive reuse of historic structures like the Louvre, which was once part of a palatial building housing the French finance ministry. The transformation of the North and South Block buildings into a world-class museum mirrors the French approach of preserving and repurposing architectural landmarks.

Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat revealed that mapping and blueprinting work has already been completed for the North Block, with progress ongoing in the South Block.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a preview video on YouTube, offering insights into the museum's design and vision. While the official completion date and grand opening are yet to be announced, the project is poised to become a global cultural hub, blending India's historic legacy with modern storytelling.

The 'Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum' will serve as a symbol of India's cultural soft power, inviting visitors from around the world to explore its vast and diverse history.

Comment