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Rare Mongolian Treasures to Go on Show for the First Time in UK

Rare artefacts from Mongolia's national collections, never before seen in the UK, will go on display in Leeds from 26 June 2026.

The exhibition explores Genghis Khan's complex legacy, revealing an innovative empire that accelerated advancements in science, medicine and technology.

Children under 16 will be able to see the exhibition for free as part of the Royal Armouries’ commitment to making culture accessible.

A new exhibition exploring the life and legacy of Genghis Khan will open at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds this summer, bringing 248 rare Mongolian artefacts to the UK for the first time.

‘Genghis Khan: How the Mongols Changed the World’ will run from 26 June to 1 November 2026, offering unparalleled insight into one of history’s most influential empires and drawing lessons still relevant to today - from climate change to pandemics, cartography and science.

Genghis Khan and his Mongol army built a colossal empire in the 13th century, stretching from the shores of Japan to eastern Europe. At its peak, the Mongols controlled over 22% of the world’s landmass, making it the largest contiguous empire in history.

Known for his remarkable military skill, Genghis Khan is often only thought of for his infamous tyranny. But this bold exhibition is set to expand the narrative, telling the remarkably complex story of human endeavour that allowed a one-time penniless adventurer with a small band of followers to build a force that would change history.

The touring exhibition brings together 248 rare objects dating from the 1st to the 14th centuries, drawn from Mongolia’s national collections – many of which have never previously left the country. Highlights include ancient saddles, ceramics, inscribed coins and the largest spearhead found in Mongolia. The exhibition also features the stories of those living under Mongol rule, including Genghis Khan’s daughter, Alakai Beki, revealing the significant and surprising power wielded by women in the Mongol Empire.

Alongside the exhibition, the Royal Armouries will run a summer programme which is set to include daily Mongolian horse shows.

Book tickets for Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan seated in a traditional robe and wide belt, holding a short baton, shown front-facing on an ornate animal‑skin throne against a plain grey background,
Image credit: Chinggis Khaan’, painting on silk. Copy of the original, Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
Historic iron helmet showing a domed crown with a raised spine and spike at the top, with rusted chainmail curtains hanging from the lower edge, displayed on a wooden support
Image credit: Helmet, 13 to 14th century. © Chinggis Khaan National Museum

Director General and Master of the Armouries, Nat Edwards, said:

“Cutting across ethnic, cultural and religious distinctions, Genghis Khan forged a new political and military force, the like of which had never before been seen. In a moment of vision and commitment, history changed and the balance of power began to shift. Today, the epic story of the Mongol Empire, brought into life through these amazing treasures, feels like something to which we should all pay attention and it’s an honour to bring this exhibition to the Royal Armouries”

Tickets are now on sale via the Royal Armouries Museum website. While museum entry remains free, the exhibition is ticketed.

‘Genghis Khan: How the Mongols changed the world’ presented at the Royal Armouries is produced by Nomad Exhibitions in association with Nantes History Museum, and in partnership with the Chinggis Khaan National Museum.

CEO and Founder of Nomad Exhibitions, Tim Pethick, said:

“There are few stories to be told that are more epic that that of the Mongol Empire, and the Nomad Exhibitions team are thrilled to be able to bring that story vividly to life in this major international touring exhibition. Working closely with our partners at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum in Mongolia and the Nantes History Museum in France our team has shaped the interpretation of this extraordinary history with original collections from Mongolian museums, and innovative multimedia techniques, alongside fascinating and insightful curation to appeal to visitors of all ages.”

This will be the second full-scale exhibition in the Royal Armouries Museum’s new special exhibitions gallery, following on from the success of their inaugural ‘Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum’ exhibition in summer 2025.

This new exhibition space is the first development in the Armouries 700 masterplan for site transformation, revitalising the Leeds Dock and South Bank area.

Ancient-style terracotta horse figurine with white lower legs and black harness markings, carrying a damaged rider figure with an incomplete upper body, showing visible fractures and wear
Image credit: Nomad on his horse, 6th to 7th century. © Kharakhorum Museum

Note to editors

About Nomad Exhibitions

Nomad Exhibitions, based in the UK, is a pioneering leader in the design and production of innovative and expertly designed temporary, touring and permanent exhibitions for museums and cultural venues worldwide. The award-winning Nomad team is dedicated to fostering meaningful and lasting cultural interactions between international communities and museums, as well as their visitors.

Environmental responsibility is at the heart of Nomad’s operations. Their unique approach to sustainable exhibition design is grounded in the principles of reduce, recycle and reuse as well as supporting charitable carbon-reducing initiatives.

About Nantes History Museum

Located in the historic heart of Nantes, France, the Château des ducs de Bretagne – originally built in the early 13th century, is today home to the Nantes History Museum (Musée d’Histoire de Nantes), which traces the city’s story from its origins to the metropolis it is today. It explores key events that have shaped Nantes, including the Edict of Nantes, the transatlantic slave trade and colonial slavery, industrialisation and shipbuilding, and the two World Wars.

The museum regularly organises international exhibitions dedicated to major ancient and contemporary civilizations. These exhibitions, which explore Nantes’ relationship to other societies, invites visitors to question our understanding of history and the contemporary world.

About Chinggis Khaan National Museum

Founded following a 2019 initiative by the President of Mongolia, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, the Chinggis Khaan National Museum officially opened in October 2022.

The museum presents three major historical periods centred on Chinggis Khan: the nomadic states that preceded him, the era of his leadership, and the legacy of his descendants. Chinggis Khan and his successors established a powerful empire across the Eurasian steppe, fostering extensive exchanges between East and West.  The museum illustrates how these interactions between East and West significantly transformed political, economic, social, and cultural systems on a global scale, establishing what is known as Pax Mongolica and laying the foundation for the modern world.

Chinggis Khan is referred to as the “Man of the Millennium,” and this museum is the only one in the world that comprehensively presents the history of his ancestors and descendants.

Complementing its extensive archaeological collections the Chinggis Khaan National Museum showcases nomadic culture through the use of advanced modern technologies.

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