India and France sign MoU for new National Museum

1. On December 19, 2024, India and France signed an agreement to collaborate on the adaptive reuse of the North and South Blocks in New Delhi, transforming them into a grand national museum.
2. This project is part of the larger Central Vista Redevelopment Plan, which aims to modernize the heart of India's capital.
3. Upon completion, this museum will become the largest in the world, surpassing The Louvre in Paris, currently the largest museum globally.

Key Details of the Agreement

1. Purpose: The North and South Blocks, which are iconic buildings housing important government offices, will be repurposed into a grand museum. The museum is set to cover approximately 1.55 lakh square meters.

2. Phases of Implementation:

1. 1. The project will be implemented in two phases:

• • • Phase 1: The retrofitting and transformation of the North Block into a museum space, with an estimated completion date of June 2026.
    • Phase 2: The adaptive reuse of the South Block into museum spaces.

3. Collaboration with France:

1. 1. France, renowned for its museum expertise (exemplified by the Grand Louvre), will assist in the planning and execution.
   2. The French Museums Development team will provide advice on best practices for repurposing heritage buildings while preserving their historic value.
   3. A comprehensive feasibility study will be conducted, which will cover museum case studies, interpretive planning, and building programming.

4. Restoration of Heritage Buildings:

1. 1. The buildings, which have significant historical value, will be carefully restored to their original state.
   2. This includes removing modern additions made over the years and repairing areas that have worn down since the British era (since 1931).
   3. The North Block originally had 400 rooms, but over the years, partitions were added, doubling the number.
   4. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) will oversee the restoration work and will soon issue a tender for the task.
   5. The South Block, which houses the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of External Affairs, will be vacated in stages, with the full process expected to be completed soon.

5. Timeline:

1. 1. The North Block is expected to be vacated by March 2025, and the CPWD will begin its restoration immediately.
   2. The entire museum project is expected to be completed in stages, with the first phase (North Block) projected to finish by June 2026.

Strategic and Cultural Significance

1. Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The collaboration between India and France on this cultural project is a reflection of the strong diplomatic relationship between the two countries. As per External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, both countries view each other as important poles in the multipolar world.
2. Cultural Diplomacy: Jaishankar emphasized that this collaboration would deepen cultural ties, showcasing the historical and heritage strengths of both nations. It reflects a shared vision of contributing to a more democratic and multipolar world government.
3. Symbol of National Pride: The new national museum will not only house India’s rich history and culture but will also become a key symbol of India's heritage preservation and modernization efforts.
4. The collaboration with France adds prestige and expertise to the project, ensuring that it is developed in line with global standards of museum design and heritage conservation.
5. Future of Central Vista Redevelopment: This museum will be a centerpiece of the Central Vista Redevelopment Plan, a significant urban renewal project aimed at creating modern government offices, public spaces, and heritage conservation. This project aligns with India’s broader vision of modernization while respecting its historical roots.

Conclusion

The India-France agreement marks a significant milestone in the redevelopment of India's Central Vista and the creation of what is poised to be the world's largest museum. This collaboration not only enhances cultural ties between the two nations but also reflects India’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modernity.