To mark the National Naadam Festival and "World Horse Day," the National Museum of Mongolia is set to present the special exhibition "Mongol Naadam: The Noble Horse" to the public.
Mongolia's National Naadam Festival embodies the traditions of Mongolian statehood, the precious heritage of nomadic civilization, the unity of the people, and national pride. The decision—ratified in accordance with a resolution from the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly and Resolution No. 100 of the Government of Mongolia—to observe "World Horse Day" annually from July 11 to 13 starting in 2026 marks a historic milestone in promoting the Mongolian horse and its associated cultural heritage to the world.
This exhibition aims to showcase the traditions of the "Three Manly Games" (Naadam) and highlight the unique characteristics of the Mongolian horse and its cultural heritage to the public. Since ancient times, the Mongolian people have revered the horse as a symbol of freedom, independence, and national identity. The exhibition showcases rare archaeological finds that attest to the long history of horse domestication and utilization in Mongolia, including Bronze Age bits and cheekpieces, as well as saddle and bridle remnants from the Turkic and Mongol Empire eras. Furthermore, it presents a curated selection of approximately 250 items—including archival documents, photographs, and video footage from the General Authority for Archives, along with manuscripts on horse culture from the "Steppe Aristocracy Foundation"—featuring riding gear such as silver saddles, bridles, stirrups, whips, lassos, and hobbles, as well as precious artifacts associated with the veneration of the horse.
We are confident that this exhibition will make a valuable contribution to the preservation, research, and promotion of the horse-related cultural heritage created by the Mongolian people, ensuring its transmission to future generations and raising awareness of its status as an integral part of humanity's cultural heritage. The special exhibition "Mongol Naadam: The Treasured Horse" will be on display at the National Museum of Mongolia from July 8 to August 16, 2026.
May the state traditions and cultural heritage of the Mongolian people flourish forever!
National Museum of Mongolia
www.nationalmuseum.mn
Contact: 70110913, 99123922
Photo by B. Chadraabal