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Natsagdorj Monument

The Natsagdorj Monument was made after a design by sculptor L. Makhval and installed in the center of the capital in 1963. From the late 1960s, after the planning and construction of the City Park of Culture and Recreation, it stood within the park’s northern part. In socialist times, a ceremonial school lineup was held at the monument every spring, and young Ulaanbaatar residents were also admitted into the Pioneers there. In September 2013, city officials decided to move it because of the park reconstruction and the surrounding high-rise buildings. On 29 October, the monument was relocated to Turkic-Mongolian Friendship Square in front of the Ulaanbaatar Hotel, where a Lenin monument had previously stood.

Natsagdorj Monument showing a weathered bronze-colored seated figure on a stone pedestal with engraved inscriptions and a floral wreath at the base.
The Natsagdorj Monument features a seated bronze figure on a stone pedestal with engraved inscriptions and a wreath below.
March 2010 © · Public domain
Natsagdorj Monument, a bronze statue of a seated man in traditional attire on a stone base, with a modern glass building behind it.
The Natsagdorj Monument shows a seated bronze figure on a stone pedestal beneath a clear sky.
March 2010 © · Public domain
Natsagdorj Monument bronze statue on a stone pedestal with a floral wreath, with a modern glass skyscraper behind it.
The Natsagdorj Monument stands on a stone pedestal in an urban setting with a glass skyscraper in the background.
March 2010 © · Public domain
Natsagdorj Monument showing a seated bronze figure on a tiered stone pedestal with inscriptions.
The Natsagdorj Monument features a seated bronze statue on a multi-tiered pedestal in Ulaanbaatar.
March 2020 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
A printed academic page showing a comparative table of the No.2 b Brahmi sign and consonant structures, with explanatory text below.
A page from an academic document comparing the No.2 b Brahmi sign and consonant structures.
June 2026 © · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleMonument to Natsagdorj
SubjectD. Natsagdorj, the poet
TypeMonument

Creator

SculptorL. Makhval
Designed from sketch byL. Makhval

Historical context

Soviet-era useEvery spring during socialist times, a ceremonial assembly was held at the monument, and young Ulaanbaatar residents were admitted into the Pioneers there
Installed1963

Location and ownership

Original locationThe center of the capital city
Previous locationThe north part of the City Park of Culture and Recreation
Current locationTurko-Mongolian Friendship Square in front of the Ulaanbaatar Hotel
Previous site at current locationThe site where Lenin's monument had previously stood
Considered relocation targetsThe Ulaanbaatar Hotel or the Central Library named after Natsagdorj

History and restoration

Relocation decisionDecided in September 2013 by initiative of the city public council
Reason for relocationPark reconstruction and the monument being surrounded by high-rise buildings
Relocation date29 October 2013

Physical characteristics

PoseSeated in a traditional scribe pose
ClothingTraditional deel
Objects heldPencil and paper
Base decorationBas-reliefs depicting scenes from the first Mongolian national opera, Among the Sorrowful Mountains

Iconography and meaning

Opera connectionNatsagdorj wrote the opera's libretto

Inscription

Inscription locationFront of the pedestal
Inscription scriptOld Mongolian script
Inscription textThe opening stanza of his poem "My Homeland": "The high beautiful ranges of Khentii, Khangai, Sayan — The wooded mountains that adorn the northern side, The great spacious deserts of Ménen, Shargi, Nomin — The sandy oceans that reign on the southern side — This is my native land, Beautiful Mongolia!"