If you want to understand Mongolia, a visit to the Genghis Khan Museum is a must. Opened in 2022, this modern building holds the rich and ancient history and culture of Mongolia.
Covering an area of 20,500 square meters, the Genghis Khan Museum houses over 10,000 original artifacts. From sculptures and documents to gold and silverware and textiles, the collection spans from the Xiongnu era to the 20th century — offering a rare glimpse into Mongolia’s rich history.
The museum’s permanent exhibition is arranged in chronological order, divided into three main sections: the Ancient Administration Period, the Great Mongol Empire Period, and the Hereditary Khanates Period. From the moment you step into the exhibition, you enter a time tunnel of Mongolian culture — arriving at the very beginning of its story.
The Xiongnu period marks the earliest era of governance in Mongolian history. In this exhibition area, visitors can see artifacts such as khan and noble ornaments, artworks, and chariots. Luxurious fur coats made from stitched deerskin, sheepskin, horsehide, and squirrel fur; Xiongnu carpets woven with traditional patterns; and exquisitely crafted gold, silver, and jade ornaments all offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of the Xiongnu people over 2,000 years ago.
During the Xianbei period, the political center shifted southward, resulting in very few Xianbei relics remaining within the territory of present-day Mongolia. However, the few surviving artifacts still offer faint traces of that era’s enduring legacy.
During the Rouran period, the political center shifted back to central Mongolia. In addition to gold ornaments, this era’s exhibits feature various commemorative stone steles. The inscriptions on these steles, many of which remain undeciphered, may still hold untold stories waiting to be discovered.
Moving further along, you’ll encounter relics from the periods of the Göktürks, Uyghurs, and the Mongolic Khitan Khaganate. These include stone steles, tombs of khans and nobles, burial sites, ritual objects, and other precious artifacts related to history, culture, and customs. Highlights include ancient burial items, maidservants’ clothing and accessories, stone steles with Turkic inscriptions, ruins of Khitan cities, and bronze bells and ironware engraved with Chinese characters.
Entering the exhibition hall themed around the Great Mongol Empire, you’ll be greeted by a massive stone engraved with the emblems of various khanate branches. Together with genealogical charts, this display offers a clear view of the political system of that era.
In addition, the exhibition hall features items such as the Onon Hot Spring Seal Stone Stele, a replica of a letter from a Mongol Khan to the Pope in the Vatican, golden (crystal) belts worn by Khans and nobles, clothing and accessories of khans’ consorts, a replica of a stele inscribed with words attributed to Genghis Khan, the Möngke Khan Stele, and a noble saddle made from horse teeth.
During the Mongol Empire’s period of territorial expansion, it encompassed as many as 450 cities. Each of these cities minted gold coins for the rulers—the Khans. The coins on display feature inscriptions in various languages, including Chinese, Russian, Latin, Turkic, Arabic, and Persian. These inscriptions record the names of the Khans, their territories, and periods of rule, offering a clear view of the shifts in leadership and serving as compelling evidence of the vast reach of the Mongol Empire.
In the later period of the Mongol Empire, internal conflicts arose due to the land division system. Eventually, the most powerful faction established the Yuan Dynasty in the Central Plains, with Shangdu (Upper Capital) as its political center. This marked the beginning of a new structure where the four major khanates became independently governed. At this time, the empire’s territory stretched across vast regions of Eurasia, leading to a rich fusion of diverse cultures. In this exhibition area, visitors can see representative Yuan Dynasty artifacts such as blue-and-white porcelain, silk hats symbolizing Mongolian social status, and handicrafts with Central and East Asian influences—showcasing the distinct cultural features of various ethnic groups.
The exhibition also features a large hall dedicated to the nobility, showcasing the daily lives of aristocratic women during the Yuan Dynasty. On display are gold cosmetic boxes that once held skincare products, delicate bronze mirrors, and customizable “gugu hats” — all offering a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of Yuan noblewomen.
After the fall of the Yuan Dynasty, the Mongols retreated to the grasslands and later came under Qing rule. As a result, this section of the exhibition primarily features artifacts reflecting Qing Dynasty influences, including books, seals, Buddhist statues, Qing-era clothing, portraits, military items, everyday objects, and religious relics.
The next exhibition area highlights the contributions of the Mongolian people to the world, their historical significance, and national pride. On display are ancient arrows, helmets, armor, archaeological artifacts, as well as UNESCO-recorded cultural heritage videos and written documents.
The ninth floor of the museum features the newly unveiled Great Khan Palace, opened in 2025. At its center stands a 7-meter-tall, fully gilded statue of Genghis Khan, designed by renowned Mongolian sculptor La. Bold. Depicting a youthful and energetic Genghis Khan, this statue is one of the most symbolically significant cultural artworks in recent years.
The overall design of the Great Khan Palace blends traditional Mongolian and modern elements. Beneath a dome shaped like a Mongolian ger (yurt) lies a ceremonial hall modeled after the palaces of Mongol khans and nobles. Equipped with lighting, display panels, and multimedia installations, the hall offers an immersive experience into the life and achievements of Genghis Khan.
The brilliant course of history comes to a close here, yet the sound of hoofbeats from the Mongolian steppe seems to echo on, lingering in the ears.
