Ongoing Restoration Project Revives Choijin Lama Temple Museum
Restoration of Choijin Lama Temple Museum Completed with U.S. Support
The multi-year project to restore a significant part of the Choijin Lama Temple Museum in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia has now been successfully completed. This restoration work was made possible through funding from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) and was carried out by the New York-based World Monuments Fund (WMF) and the Arts Council of Mongolia (ACM), in collaboration with Enerjin LLC.
During the completion ceremony, U.S. Ambassador Richard Buangan emphasized the importance of the site, stating, “It is a symbol of Mongolia’s resilience and a testament to the importance of democracy, religious freedom, and independence. These are values that both our nations hold dear and work tirelessly to preserve.”
Originally constructed in 1908, the Choijin Lama Temple was named after the official state oracle, the Choijin Lama. The restoration project focused specifically on preserving the Yadam Temple, also known as the Hallowed Divinity Temple, which served as a private prayer hall for the Lama. This temple represents a rare surviving example of religious architecture in Mongolia and its historical significance to Buddhism led to its inclusion on the 2020 World Monuments Watch list. Additionally, it holds great importance as one of the few religious sites in the country that managed to evade closure or destruction during the communist regime in Mongolia.
The United States’ commitment to preserving Mongolia’s cultural heritage has been evident since 2001, with an investment of over $2.5 million through the AFCP. Apart from the restoration of the Yadam Temple, the fund has also supported projects such as the preservation of Amarbayasgalant Monastery, a leopard skin ger in the Bogd Khaan Museum, Bronze Age deer stones in Khanui Valley, and other historically significant pieces of Mongolia’s rich history and culture.
Ambassador Buangan has expressed the continued dedication of the United States to support significant projects like these, stating, “It is important that our two countries continue to work together to safeguard Mongolian heritage so generations to come can learn from and connect with their history and values.”
The successful completion of this ambitious project serves as a testament to the collaboration between nations in preserving cultural heritage and showcasing its profound value for future generations.
