MCD Approves Plan to Turn Lahori Gate Haveli into Shahjahanabad Museum
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has cleared a project to transform the restored Lahori Gate haveli in Old Delhi, near Chandni Chowk, into a Shahjahanabad museum and interpretation centre. The civic body will execute the project in partnership with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, following approval of the draft agreement by the municipal commissioner and the mayor.
Set up in 1929 as a traditional private mansion, the haveli looks out onto a market square where lanes emerging from the Khari Baoli spice bazaar, Sadar Bazar, and Old Delhi Railway station converge. Over the decades, the historic building served as a municipal dispensary and later functioned as a civic storehouse before falling into disrepair.
Restoration of the haveli was completed last year after basic repair work was initiated in an earlier phase. Officials noted that the building's roof, jharokhas, and balconies had suffered severe damage, all of which have now been repaired alongside the completion of civil and electrical works. IGNCA has already granted in-principle approval to execute the project.
Under the arrangement, the civic body will provide the physical space while IGNCA will design the galleries and select the artifacts. A senior municipal official confirmed that the upcoming museum will operate as a ticketed facility for the public.
A second official explained that the first floor will house space for visitors to gather, audio-visual rooms, and a cafeteria. The ground floor will feature a gallery dedicated to the history of Delhi, complete with a timeline and an interactive touchscreen map linking a database of heritage sites across the city. Two additional permanent exhibitions on the ground floor will focus on the Mughal period and the contemporary culture, language, food, and customs of Shahjahanabad.
According to the project report, the museum will utilize narrative panels, digital databases, audio-visual tools, and dioramas to recreate the history of the Walled City. Specific galleries will feature a model of the city to showcase its urban planning evolution, along with digital reconstructions of lost landmarks such as the historic clock tower.
The complex will also showcase representations of the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Town Hall, traditional havelis, and temples. Additional displays will highlight Chandni Chowk's markets, food traditions, lifestyle, grocery markets, dry fruits, handicrafts, and Meena Bazaar, alongside an interpretation centre and a souvenir shop.
