Bethlehem Reborn

Centro Cultural de España en México will present the international exhibition documenting the restoration process of the Basilica of the Nativity, one of the oldest and most emblematic historic monuments in the world, recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding universal value.

First presented in 2019 in Vatican City and subsequently exhibited in various cultural venues across Europe, as well as in Washington, D.C. and Santiago, Chile, the exhibition arrives in Mexico City to share with the public the recovery of this site of universal significance.

Under the direction of the State of Palestine, the restoration project —developed over more than ten years— has made it possible to uncover elements hidden for centuries, such as mosaics and original wooden structures, restoring the complex's historical, artistic, and material value.

More than a documentary exhibition, Belén renacida offers a reflection on cultural heritage as a space of shared memory and as the result of international cooperation processes. It also recognizes the role of the State of Palestine and local communities in safeguarding this site over time.

Belén renacida, curated by Taisir Hasbun (Bethlehem, 1957), traverses 17 centuries of history and the restoration process of the Basilica of the Nativity from a historical, heritage, and cultural perspective. Through archaeological research and conservation work, the exhibition presents this monument as a universal asset and highlights the value of heritage as a bridge between cultures.

The exhibition brings together a selection of pieces, including a replica of the Door of Humility; an original model of the church, made in 1936 with delicate hand-assembled mother-of-pearl pieces, reflecting Palestinian artisanal tradition, along with reproductions of the mosaics that decorate the site. It also includes traditional Palestinian dresses dating back to the year 1900. Added to these are a replica of the Star of Bethlehem site; a reproduction of a mosaic featuring the face of the Seventh Angel, made using traditional techniques; and a reproduction of a 4th-century oil lamp, produced in glass with copper elements, evoking the ancient lighting systems of the basilica.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a public program that includes workshops, talks, music, and a gastronomic showcase."

—CCEMx