Choijin Lama Temple Museum

Address: Choijin Lama Temple, Peace Avenue (Peace Ave), Ulaanbaatar 14240, Mongolia

Hours: Daily 9:00am-6:00pm

Admission: Entrance fees for the temple museum are modest (local rates); typically around 3,000-10,000 MNT (€1-€3)

The Choijin Lama Temple is a small temple complex in central Ulaanbaatar that now operates as a museum of Buddhist art and ritual objects. It is one of the better-preserved examples of early 20th-century Mongolian temple architecture in the city.

The site comprises several ornate temple halls and small chapels decorated with painted interiors, gilt wood carvings and religious statuary; displays focus on Buddhist ritual, icons and ceremonial objects. Visits are typically short and concentrated on the richly decorated interiors and museum displays.

Built in the early 20th century for the Choijin Lama and associated monastic community, the complex served religious purposes until the communist period, after which it was preserved and converted into a museum to protect its art and architecture. Conservation work has maintained the painted interiors and religious artifacts.

The complex stands in central Ulaanbaatar, close to major civic spaces and museums, within the urban core of Mongolia’s capital city.

• Museum function: The complex now functions as a museum preserving Buddhist ritual objects, thangka paintings and temple furnishings from Ulaanbaatar’s monastic period.
• Central location: Located in central Ulaanbaatar, it is walkable from Sukhbaatar Square and other central landmarks.

Choijin Lama Temple is in central Ulaanbaatar near Peace Avenue; it’s a short taxi ride from Sukhbaatar Square or a 10-15 minute walk depending on starting point. The city’s central grid makes the site easy to reach on foot from many downtown hotels.

• Listen for the ritual bells at set times - they form part of the temple's living practices.
• The small museum on site contains costumes and ritual objects that illuminate the lamaist tradition here - allocate time to read exhibits.
• Wear respectful clothing; remove hats and follow local customs when entering prayer halls.