Azcatitlán and Boturini Codices undergo reciprocal exchange between Mexico and France

The Azcatitlán Codex has returned to Mexico for the first time since 1840. Currently on display at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, the manuscript dates from the late 16th to early 17th century and details fundamental episodes of Mexica history. The exhibition, titled ‘The Azcatitlán Codex: Mexico-France, 200 Years of Friendship’, is part of a bilateral cultural exchange organized to commemorate the bicentennial of diplomatic relations between Mexico and France.

In a reciprocal arrangement, the Boturini Codex—also known as the ‘Pilgrimage Strip’—has been sent to France. It is being exhibited at the National Library of France in Paris until December 13. The Boturini Codex narrates the migration of the Mexica people from Aztlán to the site of modern-day Mexico City.

The exchange was facilitated through cooperation between the Mexican Secretariat of Culture, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the French Ministry of Culture, and the National Library of France. The initiative follows an agreement reached between Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and French President Emmanuel Macron in November 2025.