Exhibition "Mongol Paintings Depicting Bogdiin Khuree" Opens in Ulaanbaatar

The "Mongol Paintings Depicting Bogdiin Khuree" exhibition is open to the public and will run until March 1, 2025. This exhibition offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the rich historical and artistic heritage of Mongolia’s capital through the lens of art.

To commemorate the 113th anniversary of Niislel Khuree, Ulaanbaatar's Department of Culture and Arts, in collaboration with the Ulaanbaatar City Museum and the Mongol Art Gallery, has launched a special exhibition titled "Mongol Paintings Depicting Bogdiin Khuree" at the Mongol Art Gallery. This year marks 113 years since the official naming of Niislel Khuree as the capital city of Mongolia. On February 7 in the solar calendar (the 20th day of the last winter month), the decree of Bogd Khaan officially designated Ikh Khuree as Niislel Khuree, setting the stage for its role as the heart of the country.

For the first time, this exhibition brings together nearly 30 Mongolian paintings depicting Bogdiin Khuree. These artworks have been sourced from the collections of the Ulaanbaatar City Museum, Mongol Art Gallery, Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum, the National Archives of Mongolia, the National Library of Mongolia, as well as international institutions, including the Museum der Kulturen Basel (MKB) in Switzerland. Private collectors and archival repositories also contributed to the exhibition.

The exhibition’s main goal is to showcase how Bogdiin Khuree has been depicted in Mongol paintings, offering insights into the city’s urban structure, organization, significant historical events, celebrations, and state ceremonies from the 18th century through the early 20th century. Through these works, the exhibition aims to educate the public on the historical and artistic significance of these paintings.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition is divided into three sections:

1. Mongol paintings depicting Bogdiin Khuree

2. Photographs of the city itself

3. Documentary screenings in the video hall

A standout feature is the original "Ikh Khuree City" painting, created by the court artist of Bogd Khaan’s Palace in the 1870s, which will be publicly displayed for the first time. This rare piece will be available for viewing for one week only.

In addition, artist Oyun-Erdene Tsedenpil, from the Mongol Art Gallery, has painstakingly recreated this intricate Mongol painting over four years. Working alongside researcher G. Ochbayar of the Ulaanbaatar City Museum, they have conducted thorough historical and artistic studies to ensure accurate reproduction.