Art has always possessed the remarkable power to transcend borders, languages, and historical periods. The Chinggis Khaan National Museum, in cooperation with the Galleria Borghese in Rome, has opened the special exhibition “The Wind of the Great Ocean Across the Steppe: Raphael and Bernini” to the public. The exhibition, which opened on 30 September 2026, presents two distinguished masterpieces: Raphael Santi’s “Portrait,” representing the height of the Renaissance, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s bronze sculpture, one of the notable works associated with the Baroque tradition of the early seventeenth century.

Having travelled thousands of kilometres from Italy to Mongolia, these distinguished works are presented together for the first time in this setting, offering visitors an exceptional opportunity to appreciate and compare the artistic achievements of two different periods. Through contrasting artistic approaches, one work conveys the notion of strength through inner composure and serenity, while the other expresses it through dynamic movement and vitality.

Beyond their artistic distinction, both works demonstrate the enduring capacity of art to convey the human condition, emotion, dignity, and the complexity of human experience across cultures and generations.

Opening the exhibition, Mr. S. Chuluun, Director of the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, stated that the exhibition was given its title, “The Wind of the Great Ocean Across the Steppe: Raphael and Bernini,” to symbolize the arrival, for the first time, of masterpieces created in the lands of the great sea to the vast steppe of the Mongolian nomadic world.

He emphasized that the joint initiative represents not only a tangible outcome of professional cooperation with the Galleria Borghese, but also a meaningful expression of the cultural relations between Mongolia and Italy. He further noted that the historical ties between the two countries, connected over centuries through the Silk Road, are continuing in the present day through cooperation between their museums.

Professor Francesca Cappelletti, Director of the Galleria Borghese, emphasized that the two works should not be regarded merely as objects created in bronze and paint, but as bearers of cultural messages, embodying centuries of Italian creativity, artistic aspiration, and intellectual vision. She noted that these works have now embarked upon a new journey across continents, arriving in the heart of Mongolia and taking their place within the Chinggis Khaan National Museum.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. B. Bat-Erdene, State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, H.E. Ms. Giovanna Piccarreta, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic to Mongolia, art historians, cultural professionals, and representatives of relevant institutions.

The special exhibition will remain open to the public until 1 November 2026. Throughout the exhibition period, the Chinggis Khaan National Museum will also implement the daily art education programme “World Classics in My Frame,” providing visitors with opportunities to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the historical, artistic, and cultural significance of the works presented.