Event
The Azcatitlan Codex, a 16th-century Aztec manuscript, has returned to Mexico for the first time since 1840. The artifact, which depicts the history of the Aztec empire, was loaned by France's Bibliotheque Nationale to mark 200 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. It went on display at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, where Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco described the exhibition as reuniting the population with its collective memory. The codex will remain on display until December, while Mexico loans France the Codex Boturini in exchange.
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The 16th-century manuscript, held in the Bibliothèque Nationale since 1898, is on display in Mexico City to mark two centuries of diplomatic ties, with the Codex Boturini travelling to France in exchange.
Background
The Azcatitlan Codex is a 16th-century Aztec manuscript considered one of the most significant visual records of the Aztec empire. Created by an indigenous craftsman from the Otomi people, the artifact is composed of Mesoamerican pictograms and European writing. It documents the history of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, from its founding to its fall following the arrival of Spanish conquistadors. The codex has been held in France’s Bibliothèque Nationale since 1898, although it had not been in Mexico since 1840. Mexico has long demanded its permanent return, viewing the recent loan as a step toward broader restitution and cultural identity.
The Azcatitlan Codex is a 16th-century Aztec manuscript considered one of the most significant visual records of the Aztec empire. Created by an indigenous craftsman from the Otomi people, the artifact is composed of Mesoamerican pictograms and European writing. It documents the
Fact cards
Key entities: Azcatitlan Codex, Mexico, France, Bibliotheque Nationale, National Museum of Anthropology, Roberto Velasco, Codex Azcatitlan.
Why is the Azcatitlan Codex in Mexico? It is on a temporary loan from France’s Bibliothèque Nationale to mark 200 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. What is the exchange arrangement? While the Azcatitlan Codex is in Mexico, Mexico is loaning France the Codex Boturi
Deutsche Welle World | https://www.dw.com/en/aztec-manuscript-returns-to-mexico-after-two-centuries-on-loan/a-79316983 | published 2026-09-18T03:07:00.000Z | primary source | France 24 International | https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20260917-rare-aztec-manuscript-returns-to-
1500s: Codex created by an indigenous craftsman from the Otomi people. 1840: The codex last present in Mexico before moving to France. 1898: The manuscript enters the collection of France’s Bibliothèque Nationale. 2026-09-17: The codex goes on display at the National Museum of An
Timeline
Codex created by an indigenous craftsman from the Otomi people.
The codex last present in Mexico before moving to France.
The manuscript enters the collection of France’s Bibliothèque Nationale.
The codex goes on display at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City (reported as "Thursday").
The codex is scheduled to remain on display until this month.
FAQ
It is on a temporary loan from France’s Bibliothèque Nationale to mark 200 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
While the Azcatitlan Codex is in Mexico, Mexico is loaning France the Codex Boturini, another historical document depicting the migration of the Aztec people.
The manuscript will remain on display at the National Museum of Anthropology until December.
Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco and indigenous representatives, including Emilia Mendoza and Maria Eugenia Castaneda, attended the exhibition.
It is on loan from the French National Library to commemorate 200 years of diplomatic relations between Mexico and France.
It narrates the migration from Aztlan to Tenochtitlan and the fall of the Aztec Empire during the Spanish conquest.
Yes, Mexico is pressing for the permanent return of the codex, alongside the Codex Borbonicus.
Over 16,200 items have been repatriated to Mexico from various countries since 2018.