Free
- Exhibition
Objects in Focus - VE|VJ Day
May 2025 to April 2026
Genghis Khan: How the Mongols Changed the World
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More to the Mongols than Meets the eye.
Genghis Khan is coming to Leeds. The international blockbuster exhibition Genghis Khan: How the Mongols Changed the World will be charging into the Royal Armouries Museum until November 2026.
Discover the story of how the unstoppable force of Genghis Khan overcame exile, murder and betrayal to unite his people and rule over an empire that stretched from Europe to China.
For the first time in the UK, see over 250 rare and exciting objects from Mongolia which will tell the story of how the feared Mongol warriors of the Steppe, masters of horse and bow, forged an empire that gave us the first postal system, paper money and a policy of religious tolerance.
Image credit: Chinggis Khaan, painting on silk. Copy of the original, Palace Museum, Taipei, Taiwan.
What’s in the exhibition?
This internationally renowned exhibition brings together the two sides to Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire to show us the full picture of the largest land empire the world has ever known.
The exhibition will explore the story of Genghis Khan, his rise to power and his surprisingly modern approach to ruling his empire.
Highlights include over 250 objects on loan from Mongolian National Museums, including bows, weapons, armour, saddles, coins and jewellery.
Plus, throughout the summer The Royal Armouries Museum will be showcasing the amazing horse riding and archery skills of the Mongol warrior in our live combat demonstrations in our tiltyard.
- Original artefacts
This extraordinary exhibition brings together rare objects dating from the 1st to the 14th centuries, drawn from Mongolia’s national collections, including many national treasures, many coming to the Uk for the first ever time. - Tribes of the Steppe and the rise of Genghis khan
Discover more about the lives and cultures nomadic steppe tribes and follow the story of a young boy named Temujin who would overcome exile, betrayal and conflict to become the famous Genghis Khan. - The unstoppable Mongol Warrior
Explore the tactics, weapons and armour the Mongol warriors used to conquer every civilisation they encountered, from China to Europe. Test your skills in the saddle and understand the skill it takes to ride a horse and loose an arrow in the heat of battle - A surprisingly modern empire
Uncover the innovations of Pax Mongolica that still feel relevant to our modern world, like promotion based on skill rather than family name, the first ever international postal system, religious tolerance and scientific discovery - The legacy of Genghis Khan
Understand the major impact Genghis Khan has had on the world, and how he and his Mongol empire are still remembered in Mongolia and beyond in our modern world. - The huge role of Mongol women
Uncover how Mongol women played a huge role in Genghis Khan’s life, from the kidnap of his wife Borte setting him onto the path of conquest, to his daughters, like Alaqai Beki, who helped to rule the vast Mongol empire.
Please see the frequently asked questions for additional information.
Tickets
Ticket Prices
- Adult (16+) £9
- Adult plus donation £10.00
(Includes a £1 donation and increases the value of your ticket by 25% with Gift Aid at no additional cost to you) - Concessions £7.00*
- Child (0 to 15) Free
- Companion/Carer Free
- Members and Patrons Free
Time slots
10am to 11am | 11am to 12pm | 12pm to 1pm | 1pm to 2pm | 2pm to 3pm | 3pm to 4pm | 3:30pm to 4:30pm
We recommend allowing 45 minutes for your visit to the exhibition.
Please read the ticket terms and conditions before you order from us.
* (Student, Disabled, Universal or Pension Credit Recipients, Art Fund National Art Pass Holder, Leeds Card Holder)
Book Tickets NowFrequently Asked Questions
Where is the exhibition?
It is on the 4th floor of the Royal Armouries Museum in the Special Exhibitions Gallery. You can reach it via the stairs or lifts.
When is the exhibition open?
During the opening hours of the museum. Please see ticket booking for available slots to book.
Is Museum entry included with my exhibition ticket?
Your ticket to the exhibition includes entry to the museum so you don’t need to book a separate ticket.
Is the exhibition family friendly?
Yes, the exhibition is family friendly, with no lower age limit. It contains interactives designed for children, videos, touchscreens, and dioramas (displays).
How long does it take to go round the exhibition?
We recommend around 45 minutes to go round the exhibition. Your timed entry allows you to enter at any time during the one-hour slot on your ticket and to stay for the hour or longer.
Can I take food and drink into the exhibition?
We ask you not to take food and drink into the exhibition to protect the items displayed. There is a café on site on the ground floor of the museum and there are spaces both inside and outside the museum where you can eat and drink food.
What if I am late for my booked slot?
If you arrive within the hour slot on your ticket, you can enter the exhibition any time within that hour and stay for that hour and, if the exhibition is not too busy, stay for longer. If you miss the slot entirely for a reason outside if your control you can contact us on tickets@armouries.org.uk to see if we can move your ticket to a different slot or cancel it. We do not offer refunds automatically but will consider these on a case-by-case basis. Do therefore leave plenty of time to get to the museum.
Can I change my ticket for a different time or date ?
You can change your ticket for another slot online up to 1 hour before the original slot you booked, dependent on availability. If you are having any issues you can contact us on tickets@armouries.org.uk to see if we can move your ticket to a different slot or cancel it. We do not offer refunds automatically but will consider these on a case-by-case basis.
Will you be selling tickets on site at the museum?
Yes we will be selling tickets on site from 26 June when the exhibition opens.
How do I make a group booking?
For groups over 15 people, we recommend emailing tickets@armouries.org.uk and we can advise you.
How do a I make a schools/education booking?
Please email educate.leeds@armouries.org.uk.
Is the exhibition wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the exhibition is wheelchair accessible, as are all public areas of the museum. You’ll find our special exhibitions gallery on the 4th floor of the museum, which can be accessed via lifts. We have four manual wheelchairs available for use by visitors. The wheelchairs can be used for the duration of your visit. Please ask at Reception on your arrival.
Is there seating in the exhibition?
While there are no permanent seats in the exhibition, there will be stools available to use. Please ask one of our visitor services team situated in the exhibition space or on arrival when your tickets are being purchased or checked.
Is there a large print guide available for the exhibition?
Yes, there is a large print guide available. Please ask one of our visitor services team situated in the exhibition space or on arrival when your tickets are being purchased or checked.
Is there an audio guide for the exhibition?
Unfortunately, we do not have an audio guide available for this exhibition. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
Is any BSL (British sign language) used in this exhibition?
Unfortunately, there is no BSL used in this exhibition. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.
Do the films used in the exhibition contain subtitles?
Yes, all films in the exhibition will include subtitles and progress bars.
What will the noise levels be like in the exhibition?
The exhibition contains audio visual and interactive elements, which means there will be some noise in the space, especially at peak visiting times. If you would like to visit the exhibition at a time when it will be quieter, we would suggest booking for the 3:30pm slot in the afternoons and avoiding the mornings and lunch times. We do offer sensory bags including ear defenders for use during your visit if you should need one. Just ask our visitor services team at Reception.
What will the lighting levels be like in the exhibition?
The exhibition has spotlighting, so some areas will be brighter, and some dimmer.
Ticket Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions (Terms) apply to any purchase of tickets for Royal Armouries Exhibitions, Events and Experiences.
Please read these Terms carefully before you order tickets from us.
By purchasing tickets, you are entering into an agreement with The Board of Trustees of the Royal Armouries of Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LT (we, us, our) on these Terms.
Our registered VAT number is GB 108235928.
Please see our website for more information on general visitor guidance. Visitor Behaviour and Guidance | Royal Armouries
- All tickets are subject to availability.
- Exchanges: Ticket holders may re-schedule their tickets to another date or time slot by using the self-service facility on Ticket Tailor. The exchange must be made at least one hour before the original booking time and date.
- If you have any issues exchanging your ticket for another slot or date, please email tickets@armouries.org.uk. We require a minimum of 72 hours before your visit to facilitate any changes. We will email you to confirm that your request has been processed.
- Tickets for a particular exhibition cannot be exchanged for tickets to other Royal Armouries exhibitions or events.
- Tickets are non-refundable however if you cannot attend the exhibition and wish to cancel please email tickets@armouries.org.uk and we will treat requests on a case by case basis. The more notice you can give us the better to allow us to resell that slot if possible.
- Tickets are valid only for the number of people, on the date and time slot appearing on the face of your ticket(s) and can be used for one admission only, no readmission is allowed. Please check your ticket(s) carefully at time of purchase as not all mistakes can be rectified later.
- Before your ticket purchase is finalised, please make sure the personal details you have provided to us and your ticket requirements are correct. Once your order has been confirmed by you, we cannot accept responsibility for incorrect information provided by you at the time of ordering your ticket(s).
- In circumstances where a concession is claimed, proof of identity and concession entitlement (for example of age or student status) may be required to obtain entry to an Event/Exhibition.
- Member Tickets are for Members only and are limited to 1 ticket per member. Members will be asked to produce proof of identity to verify their membership status.
- We will not be responsible for any tickets that are lost, stolen or destroyed. Replacement tickets will be issued at our discretion.
- Tickets may not be transferred or sold for commercial gain.
- For the safety of visitors, Royal Armouries reserves the right to refuse admission, and may, on occasions conduct security searches.
- Royal Armouries reserves the right to alter or vary the content or timing of the whole or any part of an exhibition due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
- Should cancellation of an Event or Exhibition (or any part of it), be necessary we will attempt to contact you (by email to the email address provided in your order) in advance to arrange substitute tickets. Please check your email inbox before travelling to the Museum to avoid an unnecessary journey should an Event or Exhibition be cancelled.
- Royal Armouries cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to personal property brought to its exhibitions.
