1. The British Museum
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3DG
Telephone: +44 (0)20 73 23 80 00/82 99
Fax: +44 (0)20 73 23 86 16
Email: press@britishmuseum.org
www.britishmuseum.org
PRESS RELEASE
11th November 2009
British Museum Hosts Europe’s 1st Chocolate Exhibition
The British Museum hosts Europe’s first chocolate exhibition from 16th November 2009 until 5th
April 2010. In a unique collaboration with Cadbury, the museum will retrace the history of cocoa
and chocolate.
One of the main highlights of ‘The Story of Chocolate’ is the display of Codex Zouche-Nuttall, a
pre-Columbian piece of writing showing Mixtec kings consuming chocolate. Acquired in 1917 by
the British Museum, the ancient masterpiece was stored in the archive of the British Library until
now. The codex from the 14th century will for the first time be opened to the public within this
exhibition.
Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum said, “I am very delighted to host an exhibition on
a delicacy that has effected so many cultures, traditions and even economics. ‘The Story of
Chocolate’ asks our visitors to explore the history of a confectionary which is indulged in so many
different variations.” Colin McEwan, Curator of Latin American Collection added: “The exhibition
will take our visitors on a journey through the history of chocolate, exploring the relationship
between human culture and this rainforest treasure.”
The exhibition includes several events and workshops. On the opening day, a chocolate fountain
will be set up in the Great Court of the British Museum. Every Sunday, chocolate manufacturers
from Cadbury will hold special shows, introducing the visitors to the many ways one can
experience chocolate. On Saturdays, children will have the opportunity to create personalised
chocolates in interactive ‘Kids Chocolate Making Workshops’. During the exhibition, limited
Cadbury editions can be purchased from the souvenir and guide shop. All proceeds will be
donated to the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership.
END
1

2. Notes to Editors
• Save the Date
Press launch/photo call – 13th November, time and location confirmed on request
• Cadbury Cocoa Partnership
In January 2008, the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership was established in partnership with
the United National Development Programme, local governments, farmers and
communities.
This ground-breaking partnership aims to secure the economic, social and
environmental sustainability of around a million cocoa farmers and their communities
in Ghana, India, Indonesia and the Caribbean. Over ten years £45 million will be
invested through the partnership to improve farmer incomes, develop communities
and build partnerships.
In January 2009 Cadbury announced that the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership was now
active across 100 Ghanaian communities, marking the 100th anniversary of cocoa
trading with Ghana.
For further information visit:
http://www.cadbury.com/ourresponsibilities/cadburycocoapartnership/Pages/cadburyc
ocoapartnership.aspx
• Codex Zouche-Nutall
The ‘Codex Zouche-Nutall’ is one of a small number of
known Mexican codices from the Late Postclassic period
(AD 1200-1521). It is made of deer skin and comprises
47 leaves. In 1859 it turned up in a Dominican monastery
in Florence. Years later, Sir Robert Curzon, 14th Baron
Zouche (1810-73), loaned it to The British Museum. His
books and manuscripts were inherited by his sister, who
donated the Codex to the Museum in 1917. The Codex
was first published by Zelia Nuttall in 1902.
For further information visit:
http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/aoa/c/codex_zou
che-nuttall.aspx
• Opening times, admission and guided tours
The museum is open daily from 10.00 to 17.30. On Thu and Fri, the museum is open
until 20.30. Ticket prices range from £ 6.00 to £12.00. Members of the British
Museum and under 16s (when accompanied by a paying adult) gain free entry.
Various guided tours will be offered. Reservations are appreciated.
For further information and bookings please call + 44 (0)20 73 23 81 81 or visit:
http://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/icat/exhibitions
• Workshops for children
The Kids Chocolate Making Workshops run on Sat at either 10:30 or 14:30
starting time. They take place at the professional kitchen of the Court Café. The
workshop lasts for 2.5 hours. Minimum group size is 8 and maximum group size is 20.
The workshop is suitable for children aged 8 and over. Bookings must be made in
advance.
For further information and bookings please call + 44 (0)20 73 23 81 81 or visit:
http://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/icat/exhibitions
Press Contact
Luisa Elena Denuell
T: +44 (0)20 73 23 83 00
M: +44 (0)77 65 51 14 60
Email: ledenuell@britishmuseum.org
2