After lying in silence for nearly four centuries, the 17th‑century Sheesh Mahal in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, has finally been restored and opened to the public on July 2, 2025. Originally built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 and later the coronation site of Aurangzeb in 1658, this modest palace now glows once more with renewed heritage and intent.

A Revival Rooted in History

Commissioned by Izz‑un‑Nissa Begum, Shah Jahan’s third wife, the Sheesh Mahal was part of a chahar‑bagh (four‑part) garden meant to evoke paradise on earth. Though not as grand as Red Fort or Humayun’s Tomb, it stood as one of the few surviving Mughal pavilions in Delhi beyond those landmarks.

Over time, neglect caused the mirror mosaics, frescoes, and garden channels to fade. A renewed effort began in early 2024 when Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena raised the alarm, triggering a restoration effort led by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

Techniques That Brought It Back to Life

ASI craftsmen and conservation specialists used traditional Mughal materials and methods—including lakhori bricks, lime-surkhi mortar, red sandstone, and organic binders like jaggery and urad dal—to preserve the authenticity of the structure.

Key features that were revived include:

• Floral frescoes in the baradari, dating back centuries and carefully repainted using archival designs.
• The planting and layout of the original Char Bagh garden plan—pathways, watercourses, and fountains were reimagined despite ongoing work on the central water channel.
• The conversion of three heritage-era cottages: two into café spaces for public use—Café Shalimar and Readers’ Café Corner—and the third reserved for official heritage outreach.

What’s on Offer for Visitors Today

Delhi’s newest heritage spot now blends history with leisure:

• A fully restored pavilion that reclaims Mughal visual and spiritual grandeur.
• Fountains, shaded parterre planting, walking paths, and garden kiosks.
• Two charming cafés inside heritage cottages—inviting visitors to reflect and refresh within the living complex.

Challenges Ahead: Restoration Is Still Unfolding

Though unveiled publicly, restoration work remains in progress. Visitors have observed incomplete pathways, idle garden lighting, and sections of the long-promised water channel still under repair. Adequate visitor guidance, signage, and interpretation panels are also yet to be fully installed.

Why This Restoration Matters

• Architectural significance: Sheesh Mahal may be modest in scale, but it is rich in Mughal craft and symbolic history.
• Historical resonance: From Aurangzeb’s coronation to colonial tampering and modern neglect, the palace stands witness to critical epochs in Delhi’s narrative.
• Cultural reclamation: The reopening is part of a larger commitment to honouring neglected heritage spots and reintegrating them into the city fabric.

Visiting Details

• Location: Shalimar Bagh, North-West Delhi
• Nearest Metro Stations: Shalimar Bagh, Jahangirpuri, or Haiderpur Badli Mor — followed by a short rickshaw or auto ride
• Timings: Open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM (including weekends and holidays)

Conclusion: A Walk Through Time Awaits

The reopening of Sheesh Mahal isn’t just a victory for heritage lovers—it’s a powerful reminder of how art, architecture, and history can be preserved and reimagined for the public. As Delhi evolves into a modern metropolis, monuments like these root us to our rich past while offering new experiences in the present.

Whether you’re a student of architecture, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful weekend outing, Sheesh Mahal in Shalimar Bagh is now a must-visit destination.

Plan your visit soon, and see how the past continues to shape the present.