On 21 July 1978, the subsoils of bustling Mexico City revealed one of the most exceptional secrets of Mesoamerica: the remains of the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, capital of the Mexica civilisation, long wrongly named Aztec, and its sacred enclosure, the Templo Mayor.

The chance discovery of an enormous circular monolith depicting the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui inaugurated half a century of archaeological excavations on an unprecedented scale. While the history of the Mexica Empire (1325-1521) is widely known and documented, its culture remained unknown in the fields of ritual, art and architecture.
The exhibition finally lifts the veil on these discoveries. Among the most striking are 204 offerings that the Mexica people made to their most venerated deities, to pay homage to them and sometimes to seek certain favours in return.
Archaeological study reveals not only a dynamic and predatory society, but also artistic excellence and complex symbolic and religious thought.

Venue : Musée du Quai Branly
Duration : until 08 September 2024
Address : 37 Quai Jacques Chirac 75007 Paris
Opening days : Tuesday to Sunday.
Timetable : from 10.30 am to 7 pm
Admission : €14

Transport : RER C station Pont de l’Alma
Bus number 42 to Tour Eiffel station