New Delhi, Nov 11: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today approved the development of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum (YYBM) at the North and South Block Complex, New Delhi, at an estimated total project cost of ₹3,230 crore.

The Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum is envisaged as a landmark civilizational museum showcasing the continuity, diversity and richness of Bharat's civilizational heritage through an integrated narrative of its tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

The museum will be developed through the 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.

Spread over a proposed built-up area of approximately 1,78,509 square metres, the museum will integrate contemporary museum practices, immersive technologies and visitor-centric interpretation. Benchmarked against major international museums, Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum is going to be the museum the largest display area in the world.

The museum will present India's civilizational journey through curated thematic galleries, exhibitions and interpretation of its diverse cultural traditions, knowledge systems, artistic practices and heritage.

The project encompasses gallery development, collection storage and conservation facilities, visitor amenities, integration of technologies and immersive experiences, landscaping, intelligent building systems and associated infrastructure.

The museum is being developed in alignment with international best practices in museum planning, heritage conservation, exhibition design and sustainable cultural management, adapted to India's diverse cultural context.

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The establishment of the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum was announced by the Prime Minister on 18 May 2023.

The historic North and South Block buildings, following the relocation of Government offices, provide a unique opportunity for their adaptive reuse for a significant public cultural purpose. The project seeks to preserve the architectural and heritage character of these iconic buildings while giving them a new institutional role.

The proposal was appraised by the Public Investment Board (PIB) on 27 July 2026, and the Ministry of Culture has concurred with its recommendations.