Tucked amid the spice-laden alleys and echoing footsteps of centuries past, the Lahori Gate Haveli rises not just as a relic, but a restored revelation. Built in 1929, this two-storey mansion near Khari Baoli had long faded into neglect. Now, after decades of decay, it has returned to the city’s cultural map as a heritage museum and a gateway to the history of Shahjahanabad.
Led by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the restoration was made possible through the efforts of former Union Minister Vijay Goel and support from MPLAD funds. Once home to a dispensary and later used by spice merchants, the haveli has been lovingly restored, blending structural conservation with cultural vision.
The first phase addressed urgent repairs—its roof, walls, and balconies had suffered from time and traffic. But this wasn’t just about saving bricks. The goal was to resurrect a space where Delhi’s diverse past could come alive. Over ₹50 lakh was contributed by Goel, with further assistance from the Ministry of Culture and other stakeholders. The next step includes installing multimedia exhibits, setting up a heritage cafeteria, and converting the premises into a living museum.
This effort marks more than architectural revival. It is part of a larger plan to anchor the stories of Old Delhi in spaces that can speak, sing, and serve. The Haveli sits at a junction connecting Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazaar, and the Old Delhi Railway Station—making it the perfect starting point for cultural tourism in the area.
Inside, the museum will feature thematic displays: miniature recreations of the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Town Hall, alongside models of Chandni Chowk’s kirana markets and Mughal-era havelis. Walls will hold narratives of Delhi’s craft bazaars and courtyards once alive with poets, traders, and storytellers.
A section will also recreate Meena Bazaar, presenting dry fruits, spices, crafts, and food items in a curated heritage style. These immersive elements aim to transform history into an experience rather than a lesson. Digital storytelling, heritage maps, and interactive displays will help visitors journey through Delhi’s transformation—from Mughal grandeur to colonial grit to post-independence evolution.
INTACH, entrusted with the conservation work, is guiding the transition from restoration to interpretation. The project, backed by a ₹4.22 crore grant, promises to combine historical integrity with tourist accessibility.
For Indian travellers, it’s a heartfelt return to the lanes that shaped Delhi’s identity. For international tourists, the Haveli offers a uniquely Indian glimpse of continuity—where commerce, culture, and community once flowed freely under carved ceilings and jharokhas.
The Lahori Gate Haveli isn’t just a museum. It’s an invitation—to wander, to wonder, and to witness how India remembers, not in silence, but in beautifully restored echoes.