Subterranean Wonder
India Today|16th September, 2024
A museum worthy of the World Heritage stature of Humayun's Tomb is finally open at the site
Amit Dixit
Subterranean Wonder

The Humayun Tomb World Heritage Site Museum-to give it its proper name-has been in the making for nearly a decade, but restoration and urban renewal initiatives in the 300-acre Nizamuddin Conservation Area, of which Humayun's Tomb is a part, have been ongoing for 25 years. The museum is the crowning glory of that grand project, which has given usapart from a resplendent Humayun's Tomb-Sunder Nursery and its historical monuments, a restored Sabz Burj-which historian Ebba Koch has surmised is the tomb of Humayun's mother, Maham Begum-and community affirming projects in Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti.

The creation of the site museum-set in the entrance zone of the Humayun's Tomb Complex and the Sunder Nursery heritage park-was spearheaded by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) in partnership with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), all under the watchful eye of conservation architect Ratish Nanda, who heads AKTC in India. Designed by Vir.Mueller Architects, the museum complex spans an area of 10,000 square metres, and is mostly underground to comply with the 1.2m height restriction around protected monuments, leaving the vista of the tomb unsullied.

Clad in red sandstone, the facilities building is above ground, on the Sunder Nursery side. It already houses a 100-seater auditorium in its basement and will have restaurants and souvenir shops by the end of the year. The museum also provides underground passage between Humayun's Tomb and Sunder Nursery, otherwise separated by a road. The goal of the state-of-the-art facility is "to inform visitors of the cultural context and the extent of the UNESCO World Heritage Site". "This is a museum that tells stories," says Nanda.

This story is from the 16th September, 2024 edition of India Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the 16th September, 2024 edition of India Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM INDIA TODAYView All
WEAVE A STORY
India Today

WEAVE A STORY

Saree plays muse and material in this modern iteration

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
SIMPLE LIVING
India Today

SIMPLE LIVING

Spatial planning meets spirituality, and up-cyling meets unconventional design practices, in this Gurgaon home

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
HARMONY IN DESIGN
India Today

HARMONY IN DESIGN

Using principles of vaastu coupled with a creative interplay of open and closed spaces, this home in Vadodara is a welcome sight

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
THE NEW ECO CHIC
India Today

THE NEW ECO CHIC

This home in Kerala is designed on the principles of climate responsive architecture

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
Crafting a New Look
India Today

Crafting a New Look

A look at five festive artistic finds from Jaipur to brighten your celebrations

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
NAMES TO KNOW
India Today

NAMES TO KNOW

From homes and offices to banquets and hotels, these architects and designers' approach to design is paving the way for some exciting spaces

time-read
3 mins  |
December 23, 2024
CHIC AND COSY
India Today

CHIC AND COSY

Let your indoor winter wonderland revel in bold bedding, quilted beauties and charming cushions

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
STEP INTO STYLE
India Today

STEP INTO STYLE

This winter, international collaborations are lending the Indian carpet industry a unique look underfoot

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
DECK THE HALLS
India Today

DECK THE HALLS

With this festive array of accessories, cushions and X'mas-themed decoratives

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
India Today

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Looking for Christmas inspiration? Here are plenty of ideas to steal and products to make it come to life.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024