HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
The iconic North and South Blocks on Raisina Hill in New Delhi are set to undergo a phased restoration as part of the ambitious Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum project. Upon completion, this museum will be the largest in the world, covering 117,000 square meters and housing 950 rooms.
The museum, which will replace the existing National Museum of India as the country’s primary cultural repository, will be located within the historic Secretariat buildings. The project aims to preserve the near-century-old architectural legacy of these iconic structures while transforming them into a modern cultural hub.
The restoration process will prioritize retaining the buildings’ original color, form, and materials. External modifications, such as applying heat-resistant paint on terraces, will be avoided to maintain their historic integrity. Over the years, the interiors of these buildings have been altered to accommodate additional office space. Currently, the North Block houses key ministries, including Home, Finance, and Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.
While restoration progresses, the Ministry of Culture is curating exhibits and designing galleries for the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum. The National Museum’s Content Committee is carefully selecting objects for display to align with the museum’s overarching themes and narrative.
The museum aims to blend India’s rich cultural heritage with modern design, creating a world-class destination for art and history enthusiasts. By combining the expertise of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and the Ministry of Culture, the project promises to showcase India’s architectural brilliance and historical treasures on an unprecedented scale.
This initiative is set to redefine cultural tourism in India, preserving the legacy of Raisina Hill’s Grade-I heritage landmarks while transforming them into a modern cultural beacon.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is spearheading the restoration process, starting with the North Block. The Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) recently approved the CPWD’s restoration plans following a detailed review during a meeting on October 24.
Restoration will proceed in phases, with retrofitting and refurbishment beginning after the North Block is vacated. The timeline for relocation is currently being finalized. The HCC has laid out strict guidelines to ensure the buildings’ original heritage character is preserved throughout the process.
Once completed, the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum will serve as a symbol of India’s cultural evolution, integrating the grandeur of its architectural heritage with cutting-edge museum design. This project not only preserves the history of Raisina Hill but also positions India as a global leader in cultural preservation and tourism.
Source: India Today
