Many of the finest pieces of art from Mesoamerica can only be seen outside of the region, in museums and private collections of North America, Europe, and East Asia. Chocolate researchers Jose Lopez Ganem (Boston University), Dr. Carla D. Martin (Harvard University), and Dr. Kathryn Sampeck (University of Reading) of the Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute (FCCI) are on a mission to change this. Over the past year, the FCCI team has worked to secure the repatriation of more than 50 antique Mesoamerican pieces in collaboration with the governments of Mexico and Central America. In advance of the return of these pieces to their countries of origin, come view these examples of priceless cultural heritage, celebrate their significance to the history of cacao and chocolate, and taste traditional cacao and chocolate recipes.

Participate in an intimate, expert-led mini-tours of the archeological pieces recovered and curated by the FCCI. Tours will be facilitated by specialists in the fields of fine art, anthropology, and food studies. Meanwhile, enjoy a taste of traditional and contemporary cacao-based creations made by New York-based pastry chefs and chocolatiers paying homage to the cultural heritage of the Mesoamerican region.

Upon arrival, guests will be encouraged to sign up for a mini tour of the objects. Each 20-minute tour will be facilitated by a scholar, who will discuss the objects as a prompt for their particular angle of study, research, and activism.

Tours begin at 6 PM.