Introduction
The Gobi Museum of Nature and History, located in the Umnogovi Province of Mongolia, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1943 under the Department of Enlightenment. Initially initiated as a Local Research Cabinet on May 25, 1945, in response to Resolution No. 18 from the Umnogovi Province Committee of the Revolution Party, it began with a modest collection of 50 items. Today, the museum has expanded its inventory to approximately 4,000 artifacts, offering diverse exhibitions in history, ethnography, archaeology, and paleontology, along with a dedicated branch called the “Natural Museum.”
The primary mission of the Gobi Museum of Nature and History is to research, collect, protect, preserve, document, and register the cultural heritage of the Gobi people. This commitment ensures that the rich history of the region is safeguarded for future generations. Visitors can engage with the museum’s extensive displays, which include archaeological and paleontological artifacts from the local area, as well as exquisite handicrafts and artworks that reflect the cultural heritage of Umnogovi Province.
Significant Paleontological Discoveries
The South Gobi region of Mongolia is notable for its wealth of paleontological discoveries, particularly rare dinosaur fossils. The Gobi Museum prominently features these incredible finds from renowned excavation sites such as Nemegt, Bugiin Tsav, Ukhaa Told, Bayanzag, Togrogiin Shiree, and Baishin Tsav. These locations are recognized as significant cradlelands for dinosaurs, making the Paleontology Hall of the museum a key highlight for visitors interested in the prehistoric past.
Among the most remarkable discoveries are dinosaur egg nests, a flock of 15 Protoceratops babies, a complete skeleton of the small, fast-moving carnivorous dinosaur Velociraptor, and Oviraptor incubating a nest of eggs. Notably, the museum features Deinocheirus, a previously unknown theropod dinosaur with the largest forelimbs ever found. Additionally, the complete skeleton of a giant carnivorous dinosaur, Tarbosaurus, discovered in Gurvantes Sum, represents the largest Tarbosaurus fossil ever unearthed in Mongolia.
