July and August is the tourist peak season in Mongolia. To make the travellers visit to Mongolia interesting and unforgettable, we are introducing some information about “must see” places.
In Mongolia there are some 40 museums, including those in the provinces. After the early 1990s, many museums were renamed and many new items added to their exhibits. The major museums of Mongolia include the State Central Museum or Museum of National History and the National Gallery.
In Mongolia there are some 40 museums, including those in the provinces. After the early 1990s, many museums were renamed and many new items added to their exhibits. The major museums of Mongolia include the State Central Museum or Museum of National History and the National Gallery.
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
Location: Chingeltei district, North-West of the Government House
Contact: 70110911
E-mail: www.nationalmuseum.com
Sometimes called the State Central Museum, the Museum of Natural History is worth a visit. It has exhibits featuring Mongolia’s geography, flora and fauna, including the requisite section with stuffed and embalmed animals, birds and even fish. Geologists will like the geology section (especially the awesome meteorites). Likewise, the birders will want to check out the Ornithological Gallery, which is stuffed (literally) with over 200 species.
More impressive are the two complete dinosaur skeletons, which were found in the Gobi - the giant flesh-eating Tarbosaurus, 15m tall and four to five tons in weight, and the little duck-billed plant eating Saurolophus at ‘only’ 8 meters. You can see them from above on the 3rd floor, or enter room 22 on the 2nd floor (ask for it to be opened if it’s locked). The gallery next door is full of interesting knick-knacks like petrified wood, dinosaur eggs and huge leg bones, which look like something out of the Flintstones.
There is also a camel museum on the second floor. The museum is old and rambling, with doors and corridors going all over the place, so trace your route using the map given out free with your ticket.
It’s open daily in summer from 10 am to 5.30 pm.
Location: Chingeltei district, Juulchid Street
Contact: 11326060, 11326061, 11323986
E-mail: info@zanabazarfam.mn
Location: Chingeltei district, North-West of the Government House
Contact: 70110911
E-mail: www.nationalmuseum.com
Sometimes called the State Central Museum, the Museum of Natural History is worth a visit. It has exhibits featuring Mongolia’s geography, flora and fauna, including the requisite section with stuffed and embalmed animals, birds and even fish. Geologists will like the geology section (especially the awesome meteorites). Likewise, the birders will want to check out the Ornithological Gallery, which is stuffed (literally) with over 200 species.
More impressive are the two complete dinosaur skeletons, which were found in the Gobi - the giant flesh-eating Tarbosaurus, 15m tall and four to five tons in weight, and the little duck-billed plant eating Saurolophus at ‘only’ 8 meters. You can see them from above on the 3rd floor, or enter room 22 on the 2nd floor (ask for it to be opened if it’s locked). The gallery next door is full of interesting knick-knacks like petrified wood, dinosaur eggs and huge leg bones, which look like something out of the Flintstones.
There is also a camel museum on the second floor. The museum is old and rambling, with doors and corridors going all over the place, so trace your route using the map given out free with your ticket.
It’s open daily in summer from 10 am to 5.30 pm.
Location: Chingeltei district, Juulchid Street
Contact: 11326060, 11326061, 11323986
E-mail: info@zanabazarfam.mn
ZANABAZAR MUSEUM OF FINE ART
Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art in Ulaanbaatar was founded in 1966. Visitors can enjoy works of Mongolia's famous artists, and sculptors who lived before or during the early 20th century. Sculptures by Mongolia's first Bogd Khaan and famous sculptor Zanabazar ("Five Gods" and "Taras"), as well as appliques and sculptures in wood and stone by talented Mongolian craftsmen are among the 10 thousand exhibits of the museum. 25 of the 45 most precious works of art created by Mongolia's artists can be found in the museum.
The Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts has an excellent collection of paintings, carvings and sculptures, including many by the revered sculptor and artist Zanabazar. It also contains other rare, and sometimes old, religious exhibits such as scroll paintings (thangka) and Buddhist statues, representing the best display of its kind in Mongolia. A bonus is that most of the exhibit captions in the museum are in English.
At the top of the stairs is a glass folder with a detailed explanation of Zanabazar and his work. There are some fine examples of the sculptor's work including five Dhyani, or Contemplation, Buddhas (cast in 1683) and Tara in her 21 manifestations. Also worth checking out are the wonderful tsam masks (worn by monks during religious ceremonies)
A handy little guidebook to the museum in English and French is for sale inside, though you do get a free brochure with your ticket. English speaking guides are also available.
It is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily during summer.
July 2-9th ‘Don’t be afraid’ solo exhibition by J,Anunaran
July 3-17th ‘Ballad of sky’ solo exhibition by Do.Bold
July 11-15th ‘Composition’ exhibition by Baatarsukh and Lkhajav
July 18-24th Joint exhibition by young artists
Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art in Ulaanbaatar was founded in 1966. Visitors can enjoy works of Mongolia's famous artists, and sculptors who lived before or during the early 20th century. Sculptures by Mongolia's first Bogd Khaan and famous sculptor Zanabazar ("Five Gods" and "Taras"), as well as appliques and sculptures in wood and stone by talented Mongolian craftsmen are among the 10 thousand exhibits of the museum. 25 of the 45 most precious works of art created by Mongolia's artists can be found in the museum.
The Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts has an excellent collection of paintings, carvings and sculptures, including many by the revered sculptor and artist Zanabazar. It also contains other rare, and sometimes old, religious exhibits such as scroll paintings (thangka) and Buddhist statues, representing the best display of its kind in Mongolia. A bonus is that most of the exhibit captions in the museum are in English.
At the top of the stairs is a glass folder with a detailed explanation of Zanabazar and his work. There are some fine examples of the sculptor's work including five Dhyani, or Contemplation, Buddhas (cast in 1683) and Tara in her 21 manifestations. Also worth checking out are the wonderful tsam masks (worn by monks during religious ceremonies)
A handy little guidebook to the museum in English and French is for sale inside, though you do get a free brochure with your ticket. English speaking guides are also available.
It is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily during summer.
July 2-9th ‘Don’t be afraid’ solo exhibition by J,Anunaran
July 3-17th ‘Ballad of sky’ solo exhibition by Do.Bold
July 11-15th ‘Composition’ exhibition by Baatarsukh and Lkhajav
July 18-24th Joint exhibition by young artists
ULAANBAATAR MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Location: Bayanzurkh distrct, east side of Palace of Wrestling.
Contact: 11450960
E-mail: ubmuseum@yahoo.com
The building of the museum was built in 1904 by Mr. Tsogtbadamjav, a Buryat merchant as his own property.
During July and August of 1921 the building was used as an office of the Central Committee of Mongolian People’s Party Government, Headquarters of the army and Commander D. Sukhbaatar. The Embassy soviet Tuva was located in the building after which it was converted into the museum of D.Sukhbaatar. In 1953 its exhibits were transferred to the museum of the Sukhbaatar and Kh. Choibalsan which was established on the basis of the palace of Kh. Choibalsan, party and political leader. In 1956 the museum was named as the “Museum of the history of Ulaanbaatar“ with the purpose of telling the city's inhabitants and its guests about the history and development of the capital city.
The museum was opened on 9th July 1956. Due to its historical and cultural value, the building was taken under the 2nd level protection by the Council of Ministers Resolution number 420 of 28th December 1971 and was registered by the Executive Committee of the People’s Khural Deputies of Ulaanbaatar.
The museum tells the history since 1639 when G. Zanabazar was elected as the head of Yellow Religion in Burd soum of Uvurkhangai aimag and palace of shar bus Ulaanbaatar’s foundation was built and 1778 when it was moved to the banks of Selbe River from Khui mandal. The Ulaanbaatar city history and reconstuction museum opens its doors to the citizens of the capital and its +guests as all other city history museums of the world.
It is open from 10a.m to 6 p. m daily during summer.
THE BOGD KHAAN WINTER PALACE MUSEUM
Location: Khan-Uul district, in the south of 120 Myangat.
Contact: 11343071, 11342195
The Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan - one of the first museums in Mongolia - was built in 1924. It used to be a winter residence of the last Bogd Khaan of Mongolia, Javzandamba. Well known for it’s Gate of Peace, Temple and personal library of Bogd Khaan.
Among the museum’s exhibits are sculptures by Mongolia’s first Bogd Khaan Zanabazar, the famous Taras. The museum has 21 invaluable sculptures of Taras. The collection at the Palace Museum numbers over 8,000 exhibits; of these 72 are certified by the State as unique, but others are priceless artifacts. This is the only remaining palace out of four residences where Bogd Khaan, the last Mongolian ruler, resided.
This palace now displays the collection of personal belongings of the last Khaan and his wife. The museum offers a wide variety of Buddhist arts.
Paintings by Marzan Sharav depicting, with a slice of humor and irony, scenes from everyday life of Mongols at the turn of the century attracts visitor’s attention a lot.
The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum comprises of two parts; the summer palace with seven temples and pagodas and the winter palace, a two story, white construction built in a European architectural style. There are mostly ancient statues of gods in the summer palace. There is also a tent decorated with sculptures of birds, animals and horseman. The Bogd Khaan’s penchant for unusual animals explains the extraordinary array of stuffed animals in the Palace; including an elephant that had to walk for three months from the Russian border to Ulaanbaatar!
The Palace Museum preserves priceless historical and cultural monuments of the Mongolian State and religion from the 17th to 20th Centuries, together with artifacts created by the foremost masters of that time, Zanabazar in particular, ranging from statues of gods, tankas, and papier-mache.
A little pamphlet, available at the entrance, gives a very brief explanation of the temples in English, and includes a handy map showing the temple locations.
It is open daily in summer from 10 am. to 5 pm.
MONGOLIAN THEATRE MUSEUM
Location: Sukhbaatar district, A.Amar’s Street, 3rd floor of the Palace of Culture (it’s entrance is on the northern side of building)
Contact: 11311320, 70116820
The Theatre Museum was founded in 1991 on the International Day of Theatre. It is one of the vocational museums that show the development of theatre in Mongolia. Photographs and biographies of those who stood at the inception of theatre in Mongolia, historic documents, books and scripts are displayed for visitors. The Theatre Museum is worth while if you’re interested in the dramatic arts - the collection of puppets is wonderful.
The museum is open daily except Monday and Tuesday.
THE CHOIJIN LAMA TEMPLE MUSEUM
Location: Bayanzurkh distrct, east side of Palace of Wrestling.
Contact: 11450960
E-mail: ubmuseum@yahoo.com
The building of the museum was built in 1904 by Mr. Tsogtbadamjav, a Buryat merchant as his own property.
During July and August of 1921 the building was used as an office of the Central Committee of Mongolian People’s Party Government, Headquarters of the army and Commander D. Sukhbaatar. The Embassy soviet Tuva was located in the building after which it was converted into the museum of D.Sukhbaatar. In 1953 its exhibits were transferred to the museum of the Sukhbaatar and Kh. Choibalsan which was established on the basis of the palace of Kh. Choibalsan, party and political leader. In 1956 the museum was named as the “Museum of the history of Ulaanbaatar“ with the purpose of telling the city's inhabitants and its guests about the history and development of the capital city.
The museum was opened on 9th July 1956. Due to its historical and cultural value, the building was taken under the 2nd level protection by the Council of Ministers Resolution number 420 of 28th December 1971 and was registered by the Executive Committee of the People’s Khural Deputies of Ulaanbaatar.
The museum tells the history since 1639 when G. Zanabazar was elected as the head of Yellow Religion in Burd soum of Uvurkhangai aimag and palace of shar bus Ulaanbaatar’s foundation was built and 1778 when it was moved to the banks of Selbe River from Khui mandal. The Ulaanbaatar city history and reconstuction museum opens its doors to the citizens of the capital and its +guests as all other city history museums of the world.
It is open from 10a.m to 6 p. m daily during summer.
THE BOGD KHAAN WINTER PALACE MUSEUM
Location: Khan-Uul district, in the south of 120 Myangat.
Contact: 11343071, 11342195
The Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan - one of the first museums in Mongolia - was built in 1924. It used to be a winter residence of the last Bogd Khaan of Mongolia, Javzandamba. Well known for it’s Gate of Peace, Temple and personal library of Bogd Khaan.
Among the museum’s exhibits are sculptures by Mongolia’s first Bogd Khaan Zanabazar, the famous Taras. The museum has 21 invaluable sculptures of Taras. The collection at the Palace Museum numbers over 8,000 exhibits; of these 72 are certified by the State as unique, but others are priceless artifacts. This is the only remaining palace out of four residences where Bogd Khaan, the last Mongolian ruler, resided.
This palace now displays the collection of personal belongings of the last Khaan and his wife. The museum offers a wide variety of Buddhist arts.
Paintings by Marzan Sharav depicting, with a slice of humor and irony, scenes from everyday life of Mongols at the turn of the century attracts visitor’s attention a lot.
The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum comprises of two parts; the summer palace with seven temples and pagodas and the winter palace, a two story, white construction built in a European architectural style. There are mostly ancient statues of gods in the summer palace. There is also a tent decorated with sculptures of birds, animals and horseman. The Bogd Khaan’s penchant for unusual animals explains the extraordinary array of stuffed animals in the Palace; including an elephant that had to walk for three months from the Russian border to Ulaanbaatar!
The Palace Museum preserves priceless historical and cultural monuments of the Mongolian State and religion from the 17th to 20th Centuries, together with artifacts created by the foremost masters of that time, Zanabazar in particular, ranging from statues of gods, tankas, and papier-mache.
A little pamphlet, available at the entrance, gives a very brief explanation of the temples in English, and includes a handy map showing the temple locations.
It is open daily in summer from 10 am. to 5 pm.
MONGOLIAN THEATRE MUSEUM
Location: Sukhbaatar district, A.Amar’s Street, 3rd floor of the Palace of Culture (it’s entrance is on the northern side of building)
Contact: 11311320, 70116820
The Theatre Museum was founded in 1991 on the International Day of Theatre. It is one of the vocational museums that show the development of theatre in Mongolia. Photographs and biographies of those who stood at the inception of theatre in Mongolia, historic documents, books and scripts are displayed for visitors. The Theatre Museum is worth while if you’re interested in the dramatic arts - the collection of puppets is wonderful.
The museum is open daily except Monday and Tuesday.
THE CHOIJIN LAMA TEMPLE MUSEUM
Location: Sukhbaatar district, Jamyn Gunii Gudamj, on the east of the State Central Library
Contact: 11324788, 11328547
E-mail: choijin-museum@mail.com
The Choijin Lama Temple Museum is an architectural masterpiece of the 19th and 20th century. The monastery was erected by Mongolian architects.
The temple was built between 1904 and 1908 by the 8th Bogd Khaan Javzandamba, and dedicated to his brother Lama Luvsanhaidav. The Museum has a fine collection of woodcarving, applique, embroidery and sculptures, dated as early as the XVII century.
The museum contains precious examples of Buddhist art including the paintings by Ts. Zanabazar, a renowned religious reformer and great artisan of 17th century as well as colourful masks for Tsam Dance ceremony embroidered with corals, bronze statue of gods in erotic poses, silk tankas and many other artifacts. This monastery is also known as the Museum of Religion. It was the home of Luvsan Haidav Choijin Lama (‘Choijin’ is an honorary title given to some monks), the state oracle and brother of the Bogd Khaan.
There are five temples within the grounds. As you enter, the first temple you see is the Maharaja Süm. The main temple features statues of Sakyamuni (the historical Buddha), Choijin Lama and Baltung Choimba (the teacher of the Bogd Khan), whose mummified remains are inside the statue. There are also some fine thangka and some of the best tsam masks in the country. The gongkhang (protector chapel) behind the main hall contains the oracle’s throne and a magnificent statue of yab-yum (mystic sexual union).
The other temples are Zuu Süm, dedicated to Sakyamuni; Yadam Süm, which contains wooden and bronze statues of various gods, some created by the famous Mongolian sculptor Zanabazar; and Amgalan Süm, containing a self-portrait of Zanabazar himself and a small stupa apparently brought to Ulaanbaatar by Zanabazar from Tibet.
Free cultural performances are held here in summer at 5pm; this is a great chance to see tsam-mask dancing and listen to khuumii (throat singing).
It is open daily in summer from 9am to 6 pm.
MONGOLIAN MILITARY MUSEUM
Location: Bayanzurkh district, Peace Avenue
Contact: 11454292
The Mongolian military museum was opened in 1996. The museum is subordinated to the Ministry of Defense. The Mongolian military museum has approximately 8,000 possessions related to the history of the Mongolian army.
The museum has 2 halls with more than 3,000 exhibits about the army’s structure and regulations and formations of the countries that were dwelling in the territory of Mongolian from new stone age until nowadays.
The museum has some Iraqi Freedom (2003-current) displays from the Mongolian Army contingent that served in Iraq. One display has the scrapnel from a rocket that landed on the Mongolian compound at Diwaniyah. Other impressive exhibits included many bronze-age knives, axe heads, and a large collection of bronze arrow heads.
The museum also has two rare examples of Mosin Nagant (7.62x54mm) Russian sniper rifles.
Branch museum of Military Museum is museum of Commander Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov
Contact: 11324788, 11328547
E-mail: choijin-museum@mail.com
The Choijin Lama Temple Museum is an architectural masterpiece of the 19th and 20th century. The monastery was erected by Mongolian architects.
The temple was built between 1904 and 1908 by the 8th Bogd Khaan Javzandamba, and dedicated to his brother Lama Luvsanhaidav. The Museum has a fine collection of woodcarving, applique, embroidery and sculptures, dated as early as the XVII century.
The museum contains precious examples of Buddhist art including the paintings by Ts. Zanabazar, a renowned religious reformer and great artisan of 17th century as well as colourful masks for Tsam Dance ceremony embroidered with corals, bronze statue of gods in erotic poses, silk tankas and many other artifacts. This monastery is also known as the Museum of Religion. It was the home of Luvsan Haidav Choijin Lama (‘Choijin’ is an honorary title given to some monks), the state oracle and brother of the Bogd Khaan.
There are five temples within the grounds. As you enter, the first temple you see is the Maharaja Süm. The main temple features statues of Sakyamuni (the historical Buddha), Choijin Lama and Baltung Choimba (the teacher of the Bogd Khan), whose mummified remains are inside the statue. There are also some fine thangka and some of the best tsam masks in the country. The gongkhang (protector chapel) behind the main hall contains the oracle’s throne and a magnificent statue of yab-yum (mystic sexual union).
The other temples are Zuu Süm, dedicated to Sakyamuni; Yadam Süm, which contains wooden and bronze statues of various gods, some created by the famous Mongolian sculptor Zanabazar; and Amgalan Süm, containing a self-portrait of Zanabazar himself and a small stupa apparently brought to Ulaanbaatar by Zanabazar from Tibet.
Free cultural performances are held here in summer at 5pm; this is a great chance to see tsam-mask dancing and listen to khuumii (throat singing).
It is open daily in summer from 9am to 6 pm.
MONGOLIAN MILITARY MUSEUM
Location: Bayanzurkh district, Peace Avenue
Contact: 11454292
The Mongolian military museum was opened in 1996. The museum is subordinated to the Ministry of Defense. The Mongolian military museum has approximately 8,000 possessions related to the history of the Mongolian army.
The museum has 2 halls with more than 3,000 exhibits about the army’s structure and regulations and formations of the countries that were dwelling in the territory of Mongolian from new stone age until nowadays.
The museum has some Iraqi Freedom (2003-current) displays from the Mongolian Army contingent that served in Iraq. One display has the scrapnel from a rocket that landed on the Mongolian compound at Diwaniyah. Other impressive exhibits included many bronze-age knives, axe heads, and a large collection of bronze arrow heads.
The museum also has two rare examples of Mosin Nagant (7.62x54mm) Russian sniper rifles.
Branch museum of Military Museum is museum of Commander Georgy Konstantinovich Zhukov
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