Genghis Khan Exhibition Coming To Yorkshire – With Rare Artefacts Never Before Seen In The UK

Portrait of Chinggis Khan © Chinggis Khaan National Museum

A new exhibition exploring the life and legacy of Genghis Khan will open at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds this summer, bringing 248 rare Mongolian artefacts to the UK for the first time.

‘Genghis Khan: How the Mongols Changed the World’ will run from 26th June to 1st November 2026, offering unparalleled insight into one of history’s most influential empires and drawing lessons still relevant to today - from climate change to pandemics, cartography and science.

Genghis Khan and his Mongol army built a colossal empire in the 13th century, stretching from the shores of Japan to eastern Europe. At its peak, the Mongols controlled over 22% of the world’s landmass, making it the largest contiguous empire in history.

Known for his remarkable military skill, Genghis Khan is often only thought of for his infamous tyranny. But this bold exhibition is set to expand the narrative, telling the remarkably complex story of human endeavour that allowed a one-time penniless adventurer with a small band of followers to build a force that would change history.

The touring exhibition brings together 248 rare objects. The exhibition also features the stories of those living under Mongol rule, including Genghis Khan’s daughter, Alakai Beki, revealing the significant and surprising power wielded by women in the Mongol Empire.

Nomad on his horse, 6-7th century. © Kharakhorum Museum

Alongside the exhibition, the Royal Armouries will run a summer programme which is set to include daily Mongolian horse shows.
Director General and Master of the Armouries, Nat Edwards, said: “Cutting across ethnic, cultural and religious distinctions, Genghis Khan forged a new political and military force, the like of which had never before been seen. In a moment of vision and commitment, history changed and the balance of power began to shift. Today, the epic story of the Mongol Empire, brought into life through these amazing treasures, feels like something to which we should all pay attention and it’s an honour to bring this exhibition to the Royal Armouries”

Silver goblet, 13-14th century. © Chinggis Khaan National Museum

Tickets are now on sale via the Royal Armouries Museum website. While museum entry remains free, the exhibition is ticketed.
Adults £9
Concessions £7
Children (aged 0-15) Free
‘Genghis Khan: How the Mongols changed the world’ presented at the Royal Armouries is produced by Nomad Exhibitions in association with Nantes History Museum, and in partnership with the Chinggis Khaan National Museum.

Helmet, 13-14th century. © Chinggis Khaan National Museum

CEO and Founder of Nomad Exhibitions, Tim Pethick, said: “There are few stories to be told that are more epic that that of the Mongol Empire, and the Nomad Exhibitions team are thrilled to be able to bring that story vividly to life in this major international touring exhibition. Working closely with our partners at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum in Mongolia and the Nantes History Museum in France our team has shaped the interpretation of this extraordinary history with original collections from Mongolian museums, and innovative multimedia techniques, alongside fascinating and insightful curation to appeal to visitors of all ages.”

This will be the second full-scale exhibition in the Royal Armouries Museum’s new special exhibitions gallery, following on from the success of their inaugural ‘Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum’ exhibition in summer 2025.

This new exhibition space is the first development in the Armouries 700 masterplan for site transformation, revitalising the Leeds Dock and South Bank area.

Book tickets: Genghis Khan | Royal Armouries