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France loans 16th-century Aztec manuscript to Mexico for exhibition

The Codex Azcatitlán returns to Mexico City for display after nearly two centuries abroad

The short version

  • The 16th-century Codex Azcatitlán has gone on display at Mexico City's National Museum of Anthropology on loan from France.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
  • The manuscript, held by France's Bibliothèque Nationale since 1898, is in Mexico for the first time in over 180 years as part of a bilateral diplomatic celebration.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
  • In exchange, Mexico is sending the Codex Boturini to France for temporary exhibition.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]

Key facts

  • The Codex Azcatitlán went on display at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City after spending 186 years outside the country.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
  • The artifact has been housed at France's Bibliothèque Nationale since 1898.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
  • The loan was agreed upon by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and French President Emmanuel Macron to commemorate 200 years of diplomatic relations.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
  • As part of the swap, Mexico is loaning the Codex Boturini to France for public exhibit.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
  • The exhibition of the Codex Azcatitlán in Mexico City is scheduled to run through December.[Deutsche Welle]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.