Architect and designer Kulapat Yantrasast: ‘Objects from all over India (at Yuge Yugeen museum), we need to ensure they sing’

Architect and designer Kulapat Yantrasast is spearheading the transformation of New Delhi's North Block and South Block buildings into the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum, which will be the world's largest museum. The Thailand-born, Los Angeles-based Yantrasast emphasizes creating an engaging and welcoming atmosphere for visitors, ensuring that every part of the museum tells a story and inspires the imagination.

He speaks about the importance of involving artists and artisans from across India, representing the diverse voices that make up the nation. Yantrasast believes that museums in the digital age are not just repositories of information but are now at the forefront of inspiring and engaging audiences. He hopes the museum will evoke feelings of wonder and awe through the display of objects and art from all corners of India, telling a unified story of the country's rich heritage.

As Yantrasast assesses the museum's vast collections, he focuses on thematic connections that span over 5,000 years of Indian civilization, aiming to create a comprehensive narrative that appeals to both locals and visitors from around the globe, regardless of their familiarity with Indian culture. The architect views the renovation as a chance to not only preserve the historical significance of the buildings but also to showcase the architectural beauty and craftsmanship that have been part of Indian heritage for millennia.