India's ambitious plan to transform the iconic North and South Blocks of Delhi's Raisina Hill complex into the world's largest museum by 2025 has captured international attention. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat recently announced this monumental undertaking, which aims to create a museum nearly twice the size of France's renowned Louvre.
Speaking to the media, Shekhawat expressed his pride in India's role in this historic initiative. He highlighted that an agreement between India and France has been signed to facilitate the transformation of the Central Vista into a cultural hub. Once offices are relocated upon completion of the Central Vista redevelopment project in 2025, the North and South Blocks will undergo a remarkable metamorphosis into a sprawling museum.
The envisioned museum will showcase India's rich and diverse history spanning over 5,000 years. It promises to provide visitors with an immersive experience of India's cultural and historical heritage housed within an architecturally significant setting.
Shekhawat also underscored another significant upcoming event—the World Heritage Committee meeting in India for the first time next month. With India already boasting the third-highest number of world heritage sites globally, he expressed confidence that India would secure additional recognition during this prestigious gathering.
The redevelopment of the Central Vista and the conversion of the North and South Blocks into a museum are integral parts of India's broader objectives in cultural preservation and tourism promotion. The Central Vista project aims to revitalise the heart of India's capital, creating modern yet historically respectful spaces.
The future museum is poised to become a prominent cultural landmark, drawing visitors from around the world. It will not only serve as a repository of India's past but also symbolise its aspirations for the future. Through collaboration with France, home to some of the world's most renowned museums, India is cementing its position as a global leader in cultural heritage preservation and promotion.