Kharkhorin, Uvurkhangai province – On May 22, 2026, representatives of the U.S. Embassy, led by Ambassador Richard L. Buangan, together with the representatives of the Arts Council of Mongolia (ACM), the World Monument Fund (WMF), and Erdene Zuu Monastery launched a two-year project called “Conservation of the Golden Stupa and Temple Complex of the Erdene Zuu Monastery.” The initiative, funded by the U.S. State Department’s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, aims to protect Mongolia’s invaluable cultural heritage and strengthen Mongolia’s capacity for cultural preservation.

The project, which is expected to finish in May 2028, will restore the iconic Golden Stupa, the spiritual core of Erdene Zuu Monastery. The grant will support the formation of an expert consulting team; comprehensive documentation and condition assessment; procurement of supplies and materials; site preparation and physical restoration of the Golden Stupa; and capacity-building training for local professionals to strengthen conservation skills and foster public engagement and awareness.

“Helping to preserve this temple is a testament to the enormous respect and admiration that America has towards Mongolia” U.S. Ambassador Richard L. Buangan said during remarks at the Erdene Zuu Monastery. “Together, we will safeguard this invaluable cultural treasure for future generations. This project also symbolizes the importance both of our countries place on religious freedom and the role that Buddhism has played in shaping the history, identity, and culture of Mongolia. This collaboration will harness the power of international cooperation and expertise in preserving Mongolia’s historical monasteries and religious artifacts, many of which were nearly destroyed in religious purges of the late 1930s.”

The site was included on the 2025 World Monuments Watch to galvanize support for its preservation. Located within Erdene Zuu—Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery, founded in 1586 by descendants of Chinggis Khaan on the ruins of Kharkhorin, the Mongol empire’s ancient capital—the Golden Stupa anchors a complex that embodies the legacy of the Mongol Empire and Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage through its distinctive blend of Mongolian, Chinese, and Tibetan architectural styles.

The completion of the project will ensure the long-term preservation of one of Mongolia’s most important cultural heritage sites and will establish the national capacity for heritage conservation and management.

This partnership highlights U.S. respect for Mongolia’s rich history, culture, and literary heritage while showcasing American leadership in technological innovation for preserving world heritage.

The U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation supports diverse projects categorized into tangible historical sites, museum collections, and intangible cultural expressions. It has funded more than 1,000 projects across 133 countries around the globe since its inception in 2001. The fund selects roughly 25 to 35 projects worldwide annually, distributing multi-million-dollar investments to protect global history. In Mongolia, 24 projects worth $2.1 million have been supported through the Fund since 2003. This year the program is celebrating 25 years since its establishment and the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.

Published Date:2026-05-24