A view of the vibrant Main Temple at Choijin Lama Temple Museum in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, featuring ornate red pillars and a green roof.

About this experience

Choijin Lama Temple Museum

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Start Experience (Opens in new tab)
English Монгол

Published: 2025 (v1)

Story outline

  • Welcome to Choijin Lama Temple Museum

    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

    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

    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 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

    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

    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

    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

  • The Director of the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, Otgonsuren Dugarsuren, in a green silk traditional Mongolian dress, standing before golden statues.

    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.
  • Lama, Amgalan Norovtseden, smiling and wearing a golden monk's robe and sitting inside a temple with intricate religious decor in the background.

    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, in an office setting framed by bookshelves.

    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 in a traditional brown deel, posing in a temple with colorful deities in the background.

    Ukhaanzaya Dorjnamjin

    Artist (Thangka Painter)

    Ukhaanzaya Dorjnamjin is an artist and restoration practitioner specializing in creating and preserving thangka paintings.

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.

Related experience

Amarbayasgalant Monastery (Opens in new tab) — Spiritual resilience and continuity in Mongolia