Illustration: C R Sasikumar
Media Source: The Indian Express (India)
Date: 15 January 2026
The Humayun’s Tomb Site Museum exemplifies an approach to architecture that integrates ecology, landscape and public life, echoing the legacy of American architect Joseph Stein’s work in New Delhi. Central to this achievement is the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, which played a pivotal role in shaping the museum as
The Humayun’s Tomb Site Museum exemplifies an approach to architecture that integrates ecology, landscape and public life, echoing the legacy of American architect Joseph Stein’s work in New Delhi. Central to this achievement is the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, which played a pivotal role in shaping the museum as both a cultural institution and an urban connector. Working in partnership with government agencies, the AKTC envisioned the museum as a link between the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, the restored Sunder Nursery and the surrounding Nizamuddin Basti. Guided by the vision of the late Aga Khan, the project sought to unite past and present, and to harmonise the built form with its natural setting. The Trust’s commitment to conservation and sustainability is reflected in the reuse of salvaged red sandstone from the tomb’s restoration, the sensitive placement of underground galleries around existing trees, and the revival of traditional Mughal stone craftsmanship, sustaining local skills and livelihoods. The museum stands as a model for heritage-led development, demonstrating how thoughtful design can create inclusive public spaces that encourage reflection, learning and a living connection with history.