Can you imagine a bank filled with priceless art? That is The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum today. This museum stands as a treasure trove of Mongolian artistry. It showcases works spanning from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum was established in 1966. It preserves Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage. The museum is named in honor of Zanabazar. He was a prominent Buddhist teacher and artist.
Initially, the building housing The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum served a different purpose. A Russian merchant constructed it in 1905. It functioned as a bank. Later, Soviet troops were stationed here in the 1920s. It even became Ulaanbaatar’s first State Department Store. Finally, in 1966, it transitioned into the art museum we see today.
The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum’s collection boasts over 20000 exhibits. These items range from the Lower Paleolithic era to the early twentieth century. You will find paintings, statues and thangkas. Also, there are masks and costumes. The museum proudly displays Tsam masks and clothing.
One of the museum’s highlights is the collection of 19th-century paintings by Marzan Sharav. His most famous work is “A Day in Mongolia”. The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum also houses a mandala crafted from gold and silver.
Among the artifacts are sculptures and ritual instruments. Stone engravings and Buddhist paintings also feature. Sets of knives and head ornaments offer a glimpse into the past. Sculptures of Sita Tara, Bodhi Stupa and the Five Dhayani Buddhas stand majestically. Percussion musical instruments used in Buddhist practices are on display too.
Notably, The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum holds Xiongnu ceramics. The museum also features Tsagaan Uvgun’s sculptures. These collections represent different periods of Mongolian history. Artifacts from the Xiongnu, Uyghur and Turkic eras are present. The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum also showcases works by anonymous artists. You can witness the evolution of fine arts in Mongolia during the 20th century. Do not miss the saddle from the Mongol Empire.
The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum actively collaborates with UNESCO. Together, they improve the preservation of exhibits. They also train museum staff. In 2015, the museum joined the Google Arts & Culture platform. Now, a virtual tour lets you explore its wonders online.
Visiting The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum provides a unique experience. You gain insight into Mongolia’s artistic and cultural legacy. From ancient relics to modern masterpieces, the museum offers a captivating journey through time. As you leave, reflect on the beauty and history you have encountered. The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum is more than a museum. It is a celebration of Mongolian identity.