MUSÉE DE LA NATURE ET DE L'HISTOIRE DU GOBI

This great museum opened its doors recently, on May 18, 2022, International Museum Day, in a massive, modern building that can't be missed on the outskirts of the city. From the outside, the building is heavy and imposing. Inside, however, it offers bright, airy spaces. Its architecture plays with geometric shapes and access ramps running from one floor to the next, giving it an almost futuristic dimension.

Its collections, comprising over 4,000 objects, are presented in several sections dedicated to the geology and history of the Gobi, the archaeological digs that have been organized in the region, religion and ethnology. The dinosaur skeletons on display on the first floor, notably that of a large Tarbosaurus, remain the most impressive exhibits. Paintings, religious and traditional objects are also on display and, more original in Mongolia, interactive screens are available for children.

There's also a café for refreshments, sandwiches and pastries, and a large souvenir store. Most of these are locally made, and thus come from the Gobi Desert region.

The museum aims to set an example in terms of accessibility, and follows the architectural standards of major international museums. Within three months of its opening, it was visited by over 25,000 people, including 10,000 children.