Genghis Khan Exhibition at Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds

About

A major new exhibition exploring the life, influence and legacy of Genghis Khan will open at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds on 26 June 2026. The exhibition, Genghis Khan: How the Mongols Changed the World, marks its UK premiere and will feature more than 250 artefacts that chart the rise and impact of the Mongol Empire.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view a remarkable collection of objects dating from the 1st to the 14th centuries. Drawn from Mongolia’s national collections, many of the artefacts have never previously been displayed in the United Kingdom.

Rare Mongolian Artefacts on Display

The exhibition brings together a diverse range of historic objects that highlight the achievements, culture and influence of the Mongol Empire. Featured items include:

Ancient saddles
Historic ceramics
Inscribed coins
The largest spearhead discovered in Mongolia
Rare artefacts from Mongolia’s national collections

Alongside military and political history, the exhibition also examines the experiences of those who lived under Mongol rule. Visitors will learn about influential figures including Alakai Beki, the daughter of Genghis Khan, whose story demonstrates the important role women held within the empire.

The Story Behind the Mongol Empire

The exhibition explores how Genghis Khan overcame exile, betrayal and conflict to unite competing tribes and establish one of history’s largest empires. At its height, the Mongol Empire extended from Europe to China, reshaping trade, politics and cultural exchange across vast regions.

Through a combination of rare artefacts and historical interpretation, the exhibition offers insight into how the Mongols transformed the medieval world and left a lasting global legacy.

Royal Armouries Brings International Exhibition to Leeds

According to the Royal Armouries, the exhibition highlights the extraordinary rise of a political and military power that altered the course of history. By bringing together treasures from Mongolia, the exhibition provides visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most significant empires ever created.