Chinggis Khan and His World: A Unique Exhibition at the National Museum of the Czech Republic

On 11 March 2025, the National Museum of the Czech Republic, in collaboration with the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, will unveil the first of its major exhibition projects this year. Named after one of history’s most extraordinary figures, Chinggis Khan, the exhibition extends beyond the life and times of the legendary conqueror and founder of one of the greatest historical empires. The public will have the opportunity to explore this exceptional exhibition in the Historical Building for nearly four months, until 22 June. Showcasing rare artefacts of global cultural heritage, the exhibition features objects that are seldom displayed abroad, sourced from the collections of the Chinggis Khaan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and the Institute of Archaeology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences. Complemented by equally unique artefacts from the National Museum’s own collections, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the world of the great khan, spanning the early 13th century and the eras before and after his reign. Visitors can look forward to treasures from the monumental underground tombs of Hun rulers, weapons and cavalry equipment of the formidable Mongol horsemen, and relics from their crusades that reshaped much of the known world for centuries. The exhibition also offers insights into the spiritual and mystical traditions of the ancient Mongols, as well as their daily lives and personal stories. With more than 260 exhibits or sets of objects, displayed across three exhibition halls, the collection includes rare gold jewellery, weaponry, clothing, ritual masks, paintings, ceramics, and equestrian equipment. Among the highlights is the rarest artefact from the Great Mongol Empire: the extraordinary wooden horse saddle.  

The opening ceremony was attended by the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, along with Minister of Culture Martin Baxa, Mongolia’s Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth Chinbat Nomin, and other distinguished guests. 

"Chinggis Khan marks the first of the major international exhibitions we are showcasing at the National Museum of the Czech Republic this year. This exhibition not only highlights the life and legacy of Chinggis Khan but also sheds light on his predecessors and successors, offering a comprehensive perspective on this era. For the first time in our region, unique artifacts from the Chinggis Khaan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar and other Mongolian institutions will be on display, complemented by rare pieces from the National Museum’s own collections. The National Museum has a long-standing tradition of bringing world-class exhibitions to Prague, reinforcing our city’s status as one of Europe’s premier cultural and exhibition centres," said Michal Lukeš, Director General of the National Museum of the Czech Republic.  

The Chinggis Khan exhibition will showcase not only the renowned leader and conqueror but also the vast Mongol Empire he established in the early 13th century. At its peak, the empire spanned large parts of Asia and Europe, making it the second-largest empire in history. The exhibition also delves into the history of the Turkic tribes and the Asian Huns who inhabited Mongolia before the rise of the Mongols. Their nomadic lifestyle played a significant role in shaping Mongolian statehood. The exhibition concludes with a focus on the Mongol invasion of Europe in the early 13th century, which had a profound impact on Central European history.  

“The Chinggis Khaan National Museum, which opened in 2022, has since initiated to organize Chinggis Khan exhibitions globally. This exhibition, a result of two years of collaboration with the National Museum of the Czech Republic, is being launched under the patronage of the Presidents of both countries. It aims to appropriately acknowledge the profound impact of Chinggis Khan and the Mongol Empire on human history, highlight their historical significance, and ensure that this legacy is properly understood by present and future generations. The exhibition also seeks to promote the cultural heritage of the nomadic Mongols and present the collaborative outcomes of scientific and educational research. The scientific cooperation between Mongolia and the Czech Republic has deep historical roots. Sixty years ago, at the initiative of Czech archaeologist Lumir Jisl, Mongolian archaeologists began joint archaeological research, marking the beginning of comprehensive collaboration in archaeology, excavation, exploration, anthropology and history. Additionally, renowned Czech Mongolist, Pavel Poucha, published The Secret History of the Mongols in Czech 70 years ago, chronicling the life of Chinggis Khan. This exhibition is Mongolia’s first independent cultural heritage exhibition of Mongolia to be officially presented in the Czech Republic, marking the beginning of a new chapter in cultural and scientific cooperation between the two nations. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Michal Lukeš, and the team at the National Museum of the Czech Republic, for their collaboration in organizing this comprehensive exhibition, which fully presents the history of the millennium genius Chinggis Khan, his ancestors, and his descendants,” said Chuluun Sampildondov, Director Gegeral of the Chinggis Khaan National Museum.

The exhibition opens with an introduction to the Great Mongol Empire and its founder, Chinggis Khan. Born Temüjin, Chinggis Khan united the Mongol tribes and took the title of Great Khan in 1206, marking the beginning of his rule. "We also highlight his family, particularly the women who played pivotal roles in his life. His mother, wife, and daughters were his mentors and sources of inspiration in his quest to expand the empire. It is less widely known that Chinggis Khan strongly opposed the abduction of women, a custom that was prevalent among nomadic tribes. This stance deeply influenced his personal life, especially when his beloved first wife, Börte, was captured in such a kidnapping," explained Helena Heroldová, the author of the exhibition. Visitors will gain deep insights into Chinggis Khan's life – full of dramatic twists – through the Secret History of the Mongols, a key historical text, which was translated into Czech by Pavel Poucha in 1955. 

The second part of the exhibition focuses on extensive archaeological finds from Mongolia, shedding light on the state formations that existed before Chinggis Khan's rise. These include the Xiongnu, known in the West as the Huns, and the Orkhon Turkic. The Mongols adopted the war strategies and weaponry of these earlier cultures, including the bow, a weapon expertly used by mounted warriors, which played a key role in their military successes. The exhibition also showcases items acquired for the Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures (National Museum of the Czech Republic) by Lumír Jisl, who conducted archaeological excavations in Mongolia in 1958.  

The concluding section of the exhibition explores life during the Mongol Empire, focusing on the art and culture of the capital city, Karakorum. Special attention is given to international trade and the successor empires that emerged following Chinggis Khan’s death. The exhibition also highlights the Mongol invasion of Europe, which is closely tied to Bohemian and Moravian history, with numerous historical events and legends connected to it.  

In addition, the Chinggis Khan exhibition will feature guided tours, lectures, workshops, art studios, and educational programs for schools. Visitors can look forward to special events such as A Day with Chinggis Khan, aimed at families with children, as well as the Festival of Mongolian Culture at the Náprstek Museum. The Chinggis Khan exhibition will be on display at the Historical Building of the National Museum until 22 June 2025. 

The National Museum of the Czech Republic will continue its collaboration with Mongolian cultural institutions in the years ahead. Before the exhibition's opening, Michal Lukeš, Director General of the National Museum of the Czech Republic, and Demberel Sodnomsambuu, President of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, signed an agreement to organize another exhibition. This partnership will lead to the major global project Dinosaurs, Dragons of Mongolia in 2027, which will feature some of Mongolia's most significant dinosaur discoveries. The National Museum of the Czech Republic exhibition will introduce visitors to lesser-known dinosaur species, with many of the exhibits never before shown to the public. Featuring 61 unique specimens and collections of objects – some of which are part of Mongolia’s National Treasure – the exhibition will share the stories behind their discovery, insights into the dinosaurs’ way of life, modern paleontological techniques, and significant scientific breakthroughs.