Delhi’s heritage is rich, but its forgotten storerooms rarely catch the public eye. That’s beginning to change. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is working to revive the Children’s Museum at Siri Fort, a quiet corner of the city where a museum for young minds is making a comeback.
The museum was once a vibrant space designed to teach children about India’s cultural past. It remained closed from 2020 to 2022 due to the pandemic and staff shortages. Now, ASI is breathing new life into it using artifacts sourced from the storerooms of the Red Fort and Purana Qila.
“Work has begun to install sculptures on the museum’s lawns,” an ASI official confirmed. One of the first items to greet visitors is a large replica of the Red Fort, placed just opposite the entrance. This piece, retrieved from the Purana Qila storeroom, aims to catch the attention of young visitors and ignite curiosity.
Inside the museum, a smaller version of the Red Fort model has also been placed. New additions include historical sculptures such as the elegant Shaalabhanjika from Madhya Pradesh, now placed prominently in the main hall.
The museum is divided into three distinct sections. One hall displays sculptures and relics, another is designed for educational workshops, and the third screens heritage-themed documentaries. Most of the current footfall comes from school group visits, but ASI hopes to attract more walk-in visitors in the coming months.
“We want installations to enhance the space and make the museum more engaging for children,” the ASI official added. Notable sculptures such as Mahishasura Mardini and a standing Buddha—both unearthed from Purana Qila storerooms—are now on display and form part of the museum’s visual narrative.
The museum’s lawns have also begun to take on a new character. Several restored sculptures now stand outdoors, and more are on the way. Statues of national heroes including Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, and Ashfaqulla Khan will soon be added to the museum’s walls as mural-style artworks.
“These sculptures were stored at the Red Fort and are currently undergoing restoration,” an ASI source said. Each item will be carefully mounted to offer a cohesive and meaningful experience for young visitors.
An earlier plan to commission new sculptures for the museum was stalled due to administrative delays. “We couldn’t reopen the museum in 2022 as scheduled because many of the required upgrades were left incomplete,” the official explained.
The revival work is now proceeding in phases. One section will include informative displays on how graffiti and encroachment damage heritage sites. Another upcoming feature is the installation of two rare panels from the National Museum, which depict scenes from India’s freedom struggle.
With each addition, ASI hopes to turn the museum into a more vibrant, immersive space. More than just a building of artifacts, it aims to reintroduce children to India’s layered history—inviting them not only to observe the past but to connect with it.
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