[en] This work presents a systematic density functional theory study of the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of the golden cage doped with a transition-metal atom, M@Au₁₆^q (M=Cr, Mn; q=0, −1). We found that the endohedral structures are always favored. The Cr@Au₁₆⁻ clusters show smaller X-A energy gaps, suggesting that its geometric and electronic structures alter remarkably due to the addition of Cr atom. However, the characteristics of the Mn@Au₁₆⁻ species include their remarkably high X-A energy gaps, indicating doping by Mn atom could stabilize the hollow Au₁₆⁻ cage. Furthermore, the magnetic moment of the impurity Mn/Cr atom is slightly quenched. - Highlights: • The endohedral structures are always favored for Cr@Au₁₆^q and Mn@Au₁₆^q clusters. • All the doped cluster anions show larger ADE and VDE. • Atom like magnetism is maintained by doping into the golden hollow cage. • A new endohedral golden cage with varying magnetic properties may exist