[Exhibition] Oro, plata y fuego – Gold, silver and fire
To coincide with the Fontainebleau Art History Festival, the Oro, plata y fuego exhibition at the Mines Paris – PSL library retraces the stages of this “dialogue of discovery” between Mexico and Europe, through a selection of illustrated books, maps, archives and minerals. Recent scientific work and exchanges between Mines Paris – PSL and Mexico will also be highlighted.
FHA exhibition Oro, plata y fuego – Gold, silver and fire
May 31 to July 19, 2024
Images of Mexico in the 19th century, from field exploration to the Paris World’s Fairs.
Independent in 1821, Mexico was still little known in Europe at the beginning of the 19th century, particularly its industry. A land of adventure and opportunity, its exploration revealed real natural wealth, from volcanoes to mineralogical and mining resources, which soon attracted investors.
Mining engineers contributed to this exploration during scientific expeditions such as the one initiated by Napoleon III between 1861 and 1867. With their expert knowledge, they studied mining sites and local mining techniques, and discovered new minerals such as cumengite.
At the same time, Mexico itself sought to make a name for itself on the international scene by taking part in universal exhibitions. The Paris exhibitions, which took advantage of Mexico’s political changes throughout the century, were an opportunity for visitors to renew the image of an evolving country, eager to show the world its modernity.
On the occasion of the FHA, the Oro, plata y fuego exhibition at the Mines Paris – PSL library retraces the stages of this “dialogue of discovery” between Mexico and Europe, through a selection of illustrated works, maps, archives and minerals. Recent scientific work and exchanges between Mines Paris – PSL and Mexico will also be highlighted.
Practical information
- Location: Bibliothèque de Mines Paris – PSL,
38 rue Saint Honoré, Fontainebleau
From May 31 to July 19, 2024 - Opening hours during the FHA :
Friday May 31: 2-6pm
Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2: 10am-6pm - Outside the Festival:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-5:30pm
Wednesday: 1:30 pm – 5:30 pm