This is a companion guide to the interactive 3D virtual tour: Choijin Lama Temple Museum. You can click here (Opens in new tab) to begin the tour.
Story outline
Each stop is a location within the virtual tour. Use the "Explore in 3D" button to jump straight to any stop.
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Welcome to Choijin Lama Temple Museum
Explore in 3D: Welcome to Choijin Lama Temple Museum (Opens in new tab)Explore the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, a spiritual and cultural complex nestled in Ulaanbaatar, where Mongolia’s resilience and heritage come alive. Throughout this experience, hear from community members connected to the site, including a monk, cultural expert, artist, and architect, who share its enduring stories and significance. -
Stop 1. An Auspicious Location
Explore in 3D: Stop 1. An Auspicious Location (Opens in new tab)Enter through the Shield Wall and Temple of Maharajas, where the Four Guardian Kings protect the temple complex. This geomantically chosen site marks the transition from the everyday world to a sacred space, ensuring cosmic balance and spiritual harmony. -
Stop 2. Heart of the Complex
Explore in 3D: Stop 2. Heart of the Complex (Opens in new tab)Step into the courtyard, home to the Main Temple, with the Undur Gegeen Temple to the east and the Temple of Zuu to the west. Once a center for rituals led by the Choijin Lama, this space now hosts the Museum. -
Stop 3. Retreat Sanctuary for the Oracle
Explore in 3D: Stop 3. Retreat Sanctuary for the Oracle (Opens in new tab)Explore the Yadam Temple, a private sanctuary for meditation and ritual used by the Choijin Lama. Marvel at its intricate woodwork and vibrant decorations, reflecting the artisans’ skill, and discover the thangka paintings, sculptures, and ritual artifacts housed inside. -
Stop 4. Crowning Glory
Explore in 3D: Stop 4. Crowning Glory (Opens in new tab)Look up to the majestic, tiered roof of the Yadam Temple, where golden spires and detailed animal effigies touch the sky. Thanks to ongoing preservation, these treasures continue to inspire wonder and devotion for generations to come. -
Stop 5. Oasis in a Changing Landscape
Explore in 3D: Stop 5. Oasis in a Changing Landscape (Opens in new tab)Amid Ulaanbaatar’s modern cityscape, the Choijin Lama Temple stands as a peaceful reminder of Mongolia’s rich heritage. Despite political and urban changes, preservation initiatives keep this site alive as a bridge between history, spirituality, and contemporary culture. -
Stop 6. Enduring Spirit
Explore in 3D: Stop 6. Enduring Spirit (Opens in new tab)The Choijin Lama Temple Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Mongolia's spiritual and cultural history, from its architectural beauty to its role in the nation's past. As a hub of history, art, and spirituality, the Temple remains a powerful source of inspiration and knowledge.
Voices
Hear Stories From Locals & Experts
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Otgonsuren Dugarsuren
Director of Choijin Lama Temple Museum
Otgonsuren Dugarsuren is the Director of the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, overseeing its preservation, cultural programming, and future development. -
Amgalan Norovtseden
Gandantegchenling Monastery Research
Amgalan Norovtseden serves as a Lama at Choijin Lama Temple, performing religious rituals and guiding spiritual practices. -
Dr. Oyunbileg Zundui
Consultant Architect
Dr. Oyunbileg Zundui is a Consultant Architect for the Choijin Lama Temple who leads its conservation and restoration efforts. -
Ukhaanzaya Dorjnamjin
Artist (Thangka Painter)
Ukhaanzaya Dorjnamjin is an artist and restoration practitioner specializing in creating and preserving thangka paintings.
Gallery
Partners
About the Project
In 2024, CyArk partnered with the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, the Arts Council of Mongolia, and the World Monuments Fund to digitally document the historic temple complex in Ulaanbaatar. The project focused on creating a virtual tour storytelling experience for the recently revitalized Yadam Temple and the broader museum site. Using advanced 3D technologies, CyArk created a high-resolution 3D model which was used as the canvas for the Tapestry experience. CyArk additionally conducted interviews with experts on site to provide unique insights into this special place.
Related Links
Credits
This virtual tour was created in collaboration with World Monuments Fund, Choijin Lama Temple Museum, and Arts Council of Mongolia. This project was made possible through the generous support of Iron Mountain.
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