Must-Visit Museums in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Posted by

2025-04-08

On 2025-04-03

Best Museums in Ulaanabaatar

1. National Museum of Mongolia

Established in 1924, the National Museum of Mongolia offers a comprehensive overview of the country’s history, culture, and art. The museum’s collection comprises approximately 60,000 historical, archaeological, and ethnographic artifacts, with significant items displayed across nine thematic halls.

Exhibition Halls:

Ancient History of Mongolia: Showcasing artifacts from prehistoric times to the early Iron Age.
Ancient States: Highlighting the history and culture of early political entities up to the 12th century.
Traditional Clothing and Jewelry: Featuring costumes and accessories from various Mongolian ethnic groups.
The Mongol Empire: Dedicated to the era of Genghis Khan and the expansion of the Mongol Empire.
Traditional Culture: Exploring Mongolian customs, rituals, and daily life.
Traditional Life: Focusing on nomadic lifestyle, including ger (yurt) furnishings and livestock husbandry.
Mongolia in the 17th–20th Centuries: Covering historical developments during this period.
Socialist Mongolia (1921–1990): Examining the socialist era and its impact on the nation.
Democratic Mongolia (1990–Present): Presenting Mongolia’s transition to democracy and contemporary history.

Address: Travel St 1, CHD – 4 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 15160

Ticket Prices:

Adults: 20,000 MNT
University students: 10,000 MNT
Primary and secondary school students: Free admission
Photography Permit: 20,000 MNT
Audio guide avaible in Englsih – 8000 MNT

Opening Hours:

Summer Schedule (May 15 – September 14): 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily
Winter Schedule (September 15 – May 14): 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Closed on Mondays

Website: www.nationalmuseum.mn
Phone: (+976) 70110911

Note: It’s advisable to check the official website or contact the museum directly for the most current information on ticket prices and opening hours, as these may change.

2. Bogd Khan Palace Museum

The Bogd Khan Palace Museum, also known as the Green Palace, was the winter residence of the eighth Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, who was later proclaimed Bogd Khan, becoming both the spiritual leader and the last king of Mongolia. The palace was constructed between 1893 and 1903 and is one of the few historical sites in Ulaanbaatar that survived the political purges of the 20th century.

Today, the palace complex serves as a museum showcasing Mongolia’s cultural and religious heritage from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The site includes the Winter Palace, six ornately decorated temples, the Gate of Peace and Happiness, and several exhibition halls. Visitors can explore more than 8,600 artifacts, including the Bogd Khan’s throne, bed, ceremonial clothing, art collection, and even regalia for his pet elephant. Other highlights include a richly adorned ceremonial ger (yurt), religious sculptures, Buddhist thangkas, and gifts from foreign dignitaries like Tsar Nicholas II of Russia.

Address: Bogd Khaanii Ordon, HUD – 19 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 17040

Ticket Prices:

Adults: 15,000 MNT
University students: 5000 MNT
Children under 16 years old: Free admission
Foreigners: 15000 MNT (adults) and 5000 MNT (children)

Opening Hours:

Summer Schedule (May 15 to September 14): 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Winter Schedule (September 15 to May 14): 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Website: www.bogdkhaanpalace.mn
Phone: (+976) 11 34 2195

Note: It’s advisable to check the official website or contact the museum directly for the most current information on ticket prices and opening hours, as these may change.

3. The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum

Named after Zanabazar, the renowned 17th-century Mongolian artist, sculptor, and spiritual leader, the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum houses one of Mongolia’s most impressive art and archaeological collections. With nearly 20,000 exhibits, the museum spans Mongolia’s rich history — from the Paleolithic period (up to 100,000 years ago) to the early 20th century.

Around 10% of the collection is on display across more than ten thematic and chronological exhibition halls. Highlights include Buddhist art, traditional costumes, sacred sculptures, thangkas, and masterful metalwork and woodcarvings. The museum also preserves over 70 of Mongolia’s 200 most culturally significant artifacts, including sheath-knives, saddle ornaments, engraved silver teapots, and intricately decorated bridles — all showcasing the artistry of Mongolian craftspeople through the ages.

Address: Sambuu St Art Museum, ЧД – 4 хороо, Улаанбаатар 15170

Ticket Prices:

Adults: 15,000 MNT
University students: 5000 MNT
High School students (11th and 12th grade): 1,500 MNT
Children under 16 years old: Free admission
Photography permit: 45,000 MNT

Opening Hours:

Summer (Apr 1 – Sep 30): 09:00 – 05:30 PM daily
Winter (Oct 1–Mar 31): 09:00 AM – 04:30 PM (Monday through Friday)
10:00 AM – 04.30 PM (Saturday and Sunday)

Website: http://en.zanabazarmuseum.mn
Phone: (+976) 11 32 3986

Note: It’s advisable to check the official website or contact the museum directly for the most current information on ticket prices and opening hours, as these may change.

#4. Choijin Lama Temple Museum

The Choijin Lama Temple Museum, located in central Ulaanbaatar, is one of Mongolia’s most important architectural and cultural heritage sites. It was originally built in 1908 for Luvsankhaidav, the younger brother of the 8th Bogd Khan, who was known as the Choijin Lama—a state oracle of Mongolia.

More than 300 of the finest craftsmen from provinces and counties across Khalkha Mongolia contributed to the construction of this magnificent red temple complex. The result is a stunning ensemble of religious architecture, sculpture, and painting from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

Initially a private temple, it was opened to the public in 1936, closed in 1938, and later transformed into a religious museum in 1942. The complex now consists of five intricately decorated halls showcasing Buddhist artifacts, thangka paintings, masks, and statues. The Mongolian name of the museum translates to “Temple for the Development of Forgiveness,” reflecting its spiritual roots.

Address: First Khoroo, Genden Street, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar

Ticket Prices: