Choijin Lama Temple Museum is a former Buddhist monastery complex at WW79+HH5 Genden Street in Sükhbaatar District, 1st khoroo, central Ulaanbaatar. It was built between 1904 and 1908 for Luvsankhaidav, the state oracle (Choijin Lama) and brother of the Eighth Bogd Khan. It survived the 1930s purges of Mongolia’s monasteries and has operated as a museum since 1942. Today it stands among glass towers a few blocks south of Sükhbaatar Square, and travelers come for its temple architecture and some of the finest Buddhist art in the country.
What to Expect at Choijin Lama Temple Museum
The walled compound holds five temples arranged along a central axis. Each has sweeping Chinese-style tiled roofs, painted wooden brackets and carved gates. The main Maharaja Temple displays statues of the Choijin Lama and his teacher, ritual masks, and painted thangka scrolls. A mummified lama is also kept here, reportedly with a skeleton set into a sculpted figure.
The collection includes works attributed to the school of Zanabazar, Mongolia’s great 17th-century sculptor and first Bogd Gegeen. Other exhibits include papier-mâché Tsam dance masks, appliqué banners and fierce protector-deity imagery. The Yadam Temple holds esoteric tantric figures, and the Zuu Temple houses Buddha images. The courtyards are a quiet counterpoint to the traffic outside the walls.
- Maharaja Temple: The main hall, with the Choijin Lama’s statue, thangkas and ritual objects.
- Zanabazar-school bronzes: Gilded Buddhist sculpture in Mongolia’s signature style.
- Tsam masks: Elaborate masks worn in the sacred Tsam dance, which was banned under socialism.
- Yadam Temple: Tantric deities and meditation imagery.
- Courtyard architecture: Early-20th-century gates, roofs and paintwork framed against modern high-rises.
Choijin Lama Temple Museum at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | WW79+HH5 Genden St, SBD 1 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 14240 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Sükhbaatar District, city center |
| Operating Hours | Daily 9AM–6PM |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid entry ($); separate fee for photography |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | City buses along Peace Avenue; limited street parking |
| Official Website & Phone | templemuseum.mn, +976 11 32 4788 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive at 9AM to see the dim temple interiors before tour groups arrive. Check the official visit page for current tickets. Expect to pay an extra fee to take photos inside. Most visitors walk here from Peace Avenue, where many city bus routes stop. Taxis and ride-hailing are easy, but central parking is scarce.
The courtyards are mostly flat, but temple entrances have raised thresholds and steps. Wheelchair users may need assistance. Interiors are cool and dark, so bring a layer in winter. Within a short walk you can reach Sükhbaatar Square and Government Palace (about 5 minutes) and the National Museum of Mongolia (about 10 minutes). Cafés along Seoul Street and Ikh Surguuli Street, including Le Bistrot Français, are good for lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours?
The museum opens daily from 9AM to 6PM. Early mornings and weekday afternoons are quietest.
How much are tickets?
Admission is paid and budget-level, with a separate photography fee. No reservation is needed. Confirm current rates on the official website.
How long should I spend?
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to see all five temples. Art enthusiasts may want closer to two hours.
Is it suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Children usually enjoy the masks, though some deity imagery is fierce. Raised thresholds limit wheelchair access inside the temples. Modest dress and quiet behavior are appreciated.
When planning your Ulaanbaatar travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Ulaanbaatar, pair this stop with standout local spots including Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar, an IHG Hotel, The Natural History Museum of Mongolia, The Marshall Jukov House Museum, and Choijin Temple Restaurant (0.1 km away).
