Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art in Ulaanbaatar was founded in 1966. Visitors can
enjoy works of Mongolia's famous artists, and sculptors who lived before or in
the early 20th century. Sculptures by Mongolia's first Bogd Khaan and famous
sculptor Zanabazar ("Five Gods" and "Taras"), as well as
appliques and sculptures in wood and stone by talented Mongolian craftsmen are
among the 10 thousand exhibits of the museum. 25 of the 45 most precious works
of art created by Mongolia's artists can be found in the museum.
The Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts has an excellent collection of paintings,
carvings and sculptures, including many by the revered sculptor and artist
Zanabazar. It also contains other rare - and sometimes old - religious
exhibits such as scroll paintings (thangka) and Buddhist statues,
representing the best display of its kind in Mongolia. A bonus is that most of
the exhibit captions in the museum are in English.
At the top of the stairs is a glass folder with a detailed explanation of
Zanabazar and his work. There are some fine examples of the sculptor's work
including five Dhyani, or Contemplation, Buddhas (cast in 1683) and Tara in her
21 manifestations.
Also worth checking out are the wonderful tsam masks (worn by monks
during religious ceremonies) and the intricate paintings, One Day in Mongolia
and The Airag Feast, by renowned artist В. Sharav. These depict almost
every aspect of nomadic life. The ground floor has some copies of portraits of
the great khaans (kings) and some 7th century Turkic stone carvings.
The museum, facing the taxi stand on Khudaldaany Gudamj, is open from 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m. The shops inside have a good (but expensive) selection of leather
goods, souvenirs and paintings. A handy little guidebook to the museum in
English and French is for sale inside, though you do get a free brochure with
your ticket. English speaking guides are also available.
