Closure Looming

In a startling development, the iconic National Museum of India on Janpath may soon shut its doors to researchers by the end of this year. The historic building, which has been a custodian of India’s cultural heritage for decades, is reportedly slated for demolition in March 2024.

Yug Yugeen Bharat: The Future Museum

Amidst the looming closure, plans are underway for the establishment of a new museum, “Yug Yugeen Bharat,” set to rise at the North and South Blocks. Possession of these blocks is expected to be transferred to the Ministry of Culture by March 2025, marking a significant shift in India’s cultural landscape.

Ministry’s Directive

According to insider sources, officials from the National Museum have received directives from the Ministry of Culture to vacate the current premises on Janpath by the end of this year. If this timeline holds, it raises concerns that researchers may lose access to nearly 10 percent of the museum’s extensive collection, comprising over 2.10 lakh artefacts.

A Race Against Time

The urgency is evident, as it appears that museum officials have been asked to vacate the premises by year-end to pave the way for its impending demolition by March 2024. A meeting held on September 2, chaired by Govind Mohan, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, emphasised the need to identify suitable storage space and accommodations for the National Museum’s existing staff.

Roadmap for Relocation

In the wake of these developments, officials are diligently crafting a roadmap for the museum’s relocation. This includes a concept note and the crucial task of identifying appropriate storage facilities for the invaluable museum artefacts and the staff.

A Delicate Endeavor

Moving museum artefacts is a complex undertaking, as stipulated in a guideline issued by the Ministry of Culture on September 15, 2014. It mandates that the shifting and transportation of museum objects should be handled by professionally skilled personnel and not unskilled labor. Detailed condition status reports must be prepared, and Conservators’ opinions on the fitness for relocation must be obtained before any object is moved.

A Treasure Trove at Risk

The National Museum has been a custodian of India’s rich cultural heritage, housing artefacts spanning from the prehistoric era to contemporary times. These treasures represent over 5,000 years of Indian artistry and craftsmanship. Established on August 15, 1949, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the museum’s artefacts were initially showcased at Burlington House in London before its present building on Janpath was inaugurated on December 18, 1960.

As the clock ticks down towards closure and demolition, the fate of these irreplaceable artefacts hangs in the balance. The transition to the new Yug Yugeen Bharat museum will undoubtedly be a critical juncture in India’s cultural legacy.

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