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Modern Mongolia

Genghis Khan
Genghis
Khan

New Exhibit Explores Mongolia
Artist Chimiddorj's rendition of Genghis Khan as statesman
Artist Chimiddorj's rendition of
Genghis Khan as statesman

"Modern Mongolia: Reclaiming Genghis Khan" opens July 3 at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Using the traditional home of Mongolian nomads as backdrop, the exhibition invites visitors to experience 20th-century Mongolian life and discover Genghis Khan's lasting legacy to his people. The exhibition is on view through Oct. 31.

Exhibition highlights:

  • A life-size early 20th-century ger, a traditional dwelling for nomads and treasure of the Mongolian people, still home to almost half of today's Mongolians
  • Two half-gers showing the changes in lifestyle experienced during the last century
  • Hands-on area where visitors can try on an authentic Mongolian robe, touch a traditional Mongolian saddle, and tug on a real horsehair braided rope
  • Film by exhibition curator Paula Sabloff, presenting the nature of politics and the cultural lifestyle in modern Mongolia

Learn more online:
Democracy
Gers
Deerstone
Research
Other Info
Exhibit

"Modern Mongolia" was organized by the University of Pennsylvania Museum with the support of the National Museum of Mongolian History, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Many of the objects and archival photographs on display are on loan from the National Museum of Mongolian History.
See http://www.upenn.edu/museum/Mongolia/ for additional information.