Raphael and Bernini in Ulaanbaatar: Exhibition Runs to 1 November 2026
The Raphael and Bernini exhibition in Ulaanbaatar runs at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum from 1 October to 1 November 2026. It shows a portrait attributed to Raphael and a small bronze Neptune by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, both lent by the Galleria Borghese in Rome, and Montsame reports it is the first time these works have been shown in Asia. If you are in the capital this month, set aside a morning for it, but not on a Tuesday, when the museum is closed.
Key facts
What: "The Wind of the Great Ocean Across the Steppe: Raphael and Bernini": a portrait attributed to Raphael and a small bronze of Bernini's Neptune and Triton
Where: Chinggis Khaan National Museum, J. Sambuu Street, Chingeltei district, Ulaanbaatar
Dates: 1 October to 1 November 2026
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00, last entry 16:00; closed Tuesdays (museum website, as of 2 October 2026)
Tickets: Online via gerege.mn; prices for foreign visitors not published
Lender: Galleria Borghese, Rome
Why it matters: Montsame reports it is the first time these works have been shown in Asia
What is on show in Ulaanbaatar?
Two Italian masterpieces, displayed in a small, focused show called "The Wind of the Great Ocean Across the Steppe: Raphael and Bernini". The first is a portrait attributed to Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio), which the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists as Portrait of a Man. The second is a small bronze version of Bernini's Neptune and Triton.
The state news agency Montsame describes the pairing as a contrast between Renaissance composure and Baroque movement. The Italian ministry adds that the rooms include reproductions of the scientific diagnostics carried out on both works, together with panels on the history of Renaissance and Baroque art. That makes the show more accessible than its size suggests, even if you know little about Italian art.
When and where can you see it?
The exhibition opened to the public on 1 October 2026, the day after its official inauguration, and Montsame reports that it runs until 1 November 2026. It is at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum on J. Sambuu Street in Chingeltei district, central Ulaanbaatar. The museum's official website gives these visiting details, as of 2 October 2026:
Opening hours: 09:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00.
Closed: every Tuesday.
Tickets: sold online through gerege.mn. The site does not list foreign-visitor prices or say whether the Italian rooms need a separate ticket, so check when you book.
Telephone: +976 7021 2222.
Why is a Raphael in Mongolia news?
Because loans of European Old Masters to Mongolia are rare, and this one is part of a growing exchange. Galleria Borghese director Francesca Cappelletti opened the show with Italy's ambassador, Giovanna Piccarreta, and Mongolia's State Secretary for Culture. "Art remains one of the most effective tools for building cross-border understanding," the ambassador said, as reported by Montsame.
The traffic has gone both ways. From 20 January to 22 February 2026 the Galleria Borghese hosted "Zanabazar at Galleria Borghese: From Mongolia to Global Baroque". It showed a Green Tara and a bronze self-portrait of Zanabazar, the 17th-century Mongolian sculptor and religious leader, lent by the same Ulaanbaatar museum. Earlier, in May 2024, the Chinggis Khaan National Museum displayed a Caravaggio painting of Mary Magdalene. According to Montsame, the current loan follows Mongolia and Italy raising their relations to a strategic partnership after President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa visited Italy in December 2025.
Is the museum worth a visit beyond the Italian works?
Yes. The Italian show is two pieces; the museum's own collection is far bigger. Its website lists more than 10,000 original exhibits covering the Hunnu Empire through to the early 20th century, spread over several floors, and says the top floor holds a golden statue of Chinggis Khaan. Allow two to three hours to see both. If you are planning a culture day, our guide to cultural tours in Ulaanbaatar shows how to pair it with the city's monasteries.
What this means for your trip
Timing: the window closes on 1 November 2026. Put the museum on any day except Tuesday and arrive before 16:00.
Build a city day around it: the exhibition fits easily into our Ulaanbaatar City Tour (1 day), which also covers Gandan Monastery, the central square and Zaisan Hill.
October is a city month: the countryside is quiet in autumn, so museums are a good use of your first or last day. Our month-by-month season guide explains what to expect.
Check before you go: dates and hours can change. We will update this post if the museum announces an extension.
How Enza Tours can help
We can add the exhibition to a guided Ulaanbaatar day, or fit it in on your arrival or departure day. Our local guides can handle the tickets and timing. Send us your dates and we will suggest the easiest plan.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Raphael exhibition in Ulaanbaatar close?
According to Montsame, it runs until 1 November 2026. It opened to the public on 1 October 2026.
Which works are in the Raphael and Bernini exhibition?
Two works lent by the Galleria Borghese in Rome: a portrait attributed to Raphael, listed by the Italian Foreign Ministry as Portrait of a Man, and a small bronze version of Bernini's Neptune and Triton.
What are the Chinggis Khaan National Museum's opening hours?
09:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00, and it is closed every Tuesday. These are the hours on the museum's website as of 2 October 2026.
How do I buy tickets for the Chinggis Khaan National Museum?
The museum sells tickets online through gerege.mn. Its website does not say whether the exhibition needs a separate ticket, so check when you book or at the entrance.
Tours that fit this story
Hand-picked from our current programmes. See all of them on our Mongolia short tours (1-2 days) page.
Ulaanbaatar City Tour (1 day): A guided day in the capital: Gandan Monastery, the central square and Zaisan Hill. Easy to combine with the museum.
Cultural Tours Mongolia (1 day): One day of Mongolian culture around Ulaanbaatar, including a nomadic show and a family visit.
Cultural Tours Mongolia (3 days): Three days taking in Ulaanbaatar, the Chinggis Khaan equestrian statue at Tsonjin Boldog and Terelj National Park.
Sources
About this article
Written by the Enza Tours News Desk in Ulaanbaatar and checked by our team before publishing. Every date, number and rule in this post comes from the sources listed above, which we read on 2 October 2026. Last updated: 2 October 2026.
About Enza Tours LLC. We are a Mongolian inbound tour operator, founded in 2018 by Enkhzaya (Enza), and a member of the Mongolia Tourism Organization (MTO) and the Mongolian Tourism Association (MTA). Office: Room 39, Building 33, 4th Khoroo, Baga Toiruu Street, Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar 15141, Mongolia. Phone +976 8911 2100 · info@mongoliantour.guide · Meet our team · Contact us
