Musée Natural History Museum

The chanting and religious ceremonies of Tibetan Buddhism that had continued at Manzushir Monastery for more than two centuries came to an end, and from the 1970s onward the state began paying greater attention to preserving historical and cultural heritage. During that period, when Mongolia’s leader Yumjaagiin Tsedenbal visited Töv Province, he suggested to provincial authorities that the monastery ruins, surviving examples of Buddhist art, and the area's natural beauty should be utilized to create a tourism destination. This initiative was personally organized and implemented by D. Dambajamts, the Second Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee.

In the autumn of 1970, below the ruins of Manzushir Monastery in the Zuunmod Valley on the eastern slope of Bogd Khan Mountain, the foundation of the Mountain Museum was laid by decision of the Provincial Party Committee. Under the supervision of construction technician Nanzad, and led by D. Baatar and J. Sundui, inspectors of the Education Department of the Provincial People's Deputies Executive Administration, more than 300 teachers attending a seminar participated in the construction work.

In 1972, the single-story stone building was completed through voluntary community labor by the residents of the provincial center. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Töv Province in 1973, the museum officially opened its doors. Its collections featured specimens of plants, trees, minerals, rocks, and wildlife from Bogd Khan Mountain. The exhibits were enriched with artworks created by artist D. Shagdarsüren and journalist O. Sumyaa, who used natural materials to produce collages, carvings, and paintings.

From 1972, the Mountain Museum was administered by the Provincial Local History Museum. In 1990, it was transferred to Zuunmod Impex, the provincial foreign trade enterprise; in 1993, it came under the authority of the Manzushir State Tourism Enterprise; and in 1997, it was returned to the Provincial Museum.

One of the museum’s most fascinating exhibits is a telescope. Looking through it, visitors can see a reconstructed view of Manzushir Monastery as it appeared in ancient times, creating a truly remarkable experience.