Frida Kahlo Museum
Location: Mexico City, Mexico (Londres 247, Coyoacan)
When to visit: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 5:30 pm (closed Mon, opens at 11 am on Wed)
Cost: 250 pesos on weekdays, 270 pesos on weekends, plus 30 pesos for a photography permit
Time needed: 30-60 minutes
Website: https://www.museofridakahlo.org.mx/?lang=en
Further reading: The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait (Amazon)
Renowned artist Frida Kahlo is a giant figure in Mexico City, and Museo Frida Kahlo is one of the city’s most popular attractions. The home is sometimes known as the Casa Azul (“Blue House”) because of its bright exterior.
Interestingly, only a small number of her paintings are on display here. This house in the traditional neighborhood of Coyoacan is where Frida was born and raised, so it’s more of a historic site to see the way she lived rather than a place to view her artwork.
That said, there are a couple of Frida portraits here. The first room you’ll enter features art pieces by Frida, her husband Diego Rivera, and others.
Then, you move into her actual living quarters, past the colorful blue and yellow kitchen.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a visit to see the famous house.
Visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum
What’s the best time to visit the Frida Kahlo Museum? This place can get very busy, so the top tip is to arrive early! Go as soon as they open if possible.
If you get there by 9:45 am, you’ll most likely be waiting in a much smaller line than if you arrive in the middle of the afternoon. Then again, I’ve seen student groups come in buses at 10 am, so you just never know. But earlier is usually better.
You can make reservations on their website, which is a good idea. Often there’s a separate line for people with reservations/tickets and those without (you may have to ask someone which is which). The line for those with tickets does move quicker.
UPDATE: Due to the current health crisis, the Frida Kahlo Museum is not currently accepting walk-up visitors. Everyone who wishes to visit must purchase tickets online and bring the ticket, either on paper or on their cell phone.
Lately, tickets have been selling out a few weeks in advance, so don’t delay your purchase! Snatch them up as soon as you know you’ll be in CDMX.
Who Was Frida Kahlo?
A Mexican artist who was born in 1907, Frida Kahlo is one of the most renowned and celebrated painters in history. Her art has been exhibited around the world, and she has inspired millions with her vibrant and emotive works.
Frida Kahlo was born Magdalena Carmen Frieda Kahlo y Calderón in Coyoacan, Mexico City on July 6th, 1907. That’s quite a name! She was the daughter of a German father and a Mexican mother.
As a child, she loved to read and was particularly interested in philosophy and political issues. It wasn’t until 1925 when Frida suffered from polio that she began to focus on painting as a form of therapy during recovery from the illness.
Frida’s career as an artist truly took off after her 1929 marriage to Diego Rivera, a famous muralist, which exposed her to many influential people including André Breton, the founder of surrealism.
After being invited by Edward Weston to exhibit some of her work in San Francisco, it didn’t take long for Frida’s artwork to be recognized all around the world.
Throughout her career, Frida created many self-portraits depicting not only physical pain but also emotional suffering due to personal tragedies, like miscarriages or failed relationships with men, including Diego Rivera himself.
Her work often served as a way for her to express feelings surrounding these experiences and share them with others who may have gone through similar struggles.
The vibrancy of colors used in many of her paintings is said to be reflective of the culture and nature that surrounded her growing up in Mexico City.
Frida Kahlo is one of the most iconic female artists in history, whose captivating art continues to inspire people around the world, whether they are familiar with Mexican culture or not.
Sights From the Frida Kahlo Museum
Upstairs in the Kahlo house, you’ll find a bedroom where noted Russian Marxist Leon Trotsky stayed during his exile in Mexico.
Additionally, Frida had day and night bedrooms that were used for separate purposes. It’s always fascinating to see how iconic figures lived in their daily lives.
Moving to the back of the house, guests walk through a final room and hallway with more artwork. Then it’s out into the scenic courtyard featuring statues, flowers, a seating area, a gift shop, and some of those fun head holes.
Coyoacan has numerous other things to do, including the Trotsky Museum, multiple public gardens and parks, and some of the best food in Mexico City. Click to read our complete guide to Coyoacan activities.
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