The National Museum of Mongolia traces the country's history from prehistoric times through the Xiongnu empire, the Mongol Empire at its height, the Qing dynasty period, and into the 20th-century communist era. The collection is substantial and well-organised, with English labelling throughout — unusual for UB.
The highlights are the ethnographic collections: traditional costumes of Mongolia's various ethnic groups, nomadic household objects, felt work, and silverware show the material culture of steppe nomadism in impressive depth. The Mongol Empire galleries have replica armour, weapons, and maps that convey the extraordinary reach of Chinggis Khan's conquests — an empire that, at its peak, stretched from Korea to Hungary. The Soviet-era section is sober and informative about a period that is still within living memory for many Mongolians. Allow two hours. The museum is a short walk north of Sükhbaatar Square.