Museum of Mongolian History and Culture

Museum of Mongolian History and Culture

Established in 2003, the Museum of Mongolian History and Culture features an architectural design modeled after the Mongolian character "Khan" (meaning emperor), making it one of the representative structures of modern Mongolian architecture. It is the only museum in the world solely dedicated to the collection, research, and exhibition of Mongolian history and culture. The museum’s collection includes invaluable historical artifacts from the era of Genghis Khan to the present, as well as uniquely crafted ethnic items, providing an important platform for preserving and promoting the long and rich cultural heritage of the Mongolian people.

Located within the Genghis Khan Mausoleum Tourist Scenic Area in Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, the Museum of Mongolian History and Culture is a market-operated, corporately managed institution themed around Mongolian history and culture. It was invested in and constructed by the Inner Mongolia Donglian Tourism Group and officially opened on June 18, 2005. Covering a construction area of 5,800 square meters with a total investment of over 50 million yuan, it is one of the major ethnic culture-themed museums in Inner Mongolia.

The Museum of Mongolian History and Culture is divided into six sections: "Historical Giants Who Shaped the World," "Special Care and Attention," "Evolution of the Genghis Khan Mausoleum," "Construction of the Genghis Khan Mausoleum," "The Mysterious Genghis Khan Worship Ceremony," and "The Guardians – The Darhad." The historical and cultural exhibition of the Genghis Khan Mausoleum systematically presents the tumultuous history of the site, the ancient and mystical Genghis Khan worship rituals, the profound historical and cultural significance of the mausoleum, and its development and changes through photographs and physical exhibits.

The museum aims to establish itself as a center for Mongolian historical and cultural data, research, and exhibitions both in China and abroad, serving as a vital base for inheriting and promoting the long-standing history and culture of the Mongolian people. It houses a large number of artifacts that showcase Mongolian history and culture, including many fine cultural relics from the Mongol-Yuan period—especially a set of weapons from that era, which are considered masterpieces of cultural heritage. Other treasured items include the ceremonial hat (khatagh) worn by noblewomen during the Mongol Empire, stone carvings of female slaves holding lamps, golden cups with flat handles, inscribed stone tablets, as well as Qing Dynasty-era Mongolian medicine packets and pouches—all of which are extremely valuable cultural relics.

The exhibition layout of the Museum of Mongolian History and Culture follows three main themes. The first is a massive series of 206-meter-long oil paintings depicting the grand historical narrative of the Mongolian people, illustrating their origins, the birth of Genghis Khan in 1162, and the retreat of Mongol rulers from the Yuan capital in 1368 to the northern grasslands where they established the Northern Yuan regime. This accurately reflects one of the most glorious periods in Mongolian history. The other two themes are presented through artifact displays and supplementary exhibits, showcasing the long history and splendid culture of the Mongolian people. The historical sections are displayed in sync with the painting content, providing a detailed account of each developmental stage of the Mongolian people and their significant contributions to human civilization.

The cultural section primarily highlights ancient Mongolian folk traditions, divided into five aspects: grassland herding, nomadic life, cultural entertainment, customs and etiquette, and religious beliefs. It offers a comprehensive and systematic representation of the material and spiritual civilization of the Mongolian people over the past thousand years, demonstrating the Mongolian people's pivotal role in elevating nomadic culture to its historical pinnacle.

Genghis Khan Mausoleum

Mongolian Historical Scroll

Bayinchanghoge Grassland

Eight White Tents

Altan Gandele Ovoo

Sulede Altar

Iron Horse and Golden Pavilion Sculpture Group