Also known as La Casa Azul, the Frida Kahlo Museum is an unmissable treat in Mexico City. One of the most famous artists in Mexico, Frida Kahlo lived and painted in this house in Coyoacán for many years.
In this magical space, you’ll find personal objects left by Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera – their art, clothes, furniture, books, jewelry – and of course sketches, paintings, and art by the two famous artists, and other artists they knew or were inspired by. Explore the courtyard and rooms where Frida worked, and even visit her bedroom and the Altar de Muertes. This tour is often coupled with the Coayacán Walking Tour, for a fully immersive day in the artistic hub of the city.
Our guide will provide additional context to what you see, recounting interesting stories about the iconic artist’s life both in Mexico City and in the US, and the people, places, and culture that inspired her.
Your Frida Kahlo museum getaway awaits! Contact us for expert help in planning your tour – transport, accommodations, reservations, tours, and more. Let us make your trip unforgettable.
Frida Kahlo tour: What to know before you visit Casa Azul Mexico City
About the Frida Kahlo House
The Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as Casa Azul, is a historic house and art museum located in the Colonia del Carmen neighborhood of Coyoacan, Mexico City. Named for its striking cobalt-blue walls, the museum was originally Frida Kahlo’s birthplace and the home where she lived with her husband, Diego Rivera. It was also the place where she later died in 1954. Diego Rivera donated this house and its contents in 1957 to be preserved and transformed into a museum in her honor.
The museum showcases a rich collection of Kahlo’s artwork, along with pieces by Rivera and other artists. It also features pre-Hispanic artifacts, Mexican folk art, personal belongings, and photographs that offer a glimpse into Kahlo’s life. The rooms of the house have remained largely unchanged since the 1950s, preserving the intimate atmosphere of Frida’s life. As one of the most popular art scenes in Mexico City, La Casa Azul attracts countless visitors who wish to connect with the life and legacy of Frida Kahlo.
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The rooms
The museum features ten rooms, each offering a glimpse into Frida Kahlo’s life and art. The ground floor begins with a room displaying some of Kahlo’s minor works, such as ‘El Marxismo Dará Salud (1954)’, ‘Retrato de Familia (1934)’, and ‘Frida y la Cesárea (1907–1954)’, among others. This space was once the formal living room where Frida and Diego hosted notable figures like Dolores del Rio, Nelson Rockefeller, and Sergei Eisenstein.
The second and third rooms are dedicated to personal mementos and some of Diego Rivera’s works. The second room is filled with Frida’s everyday items, photographs, letters, and her iconic Tehuana-style dresses and pre-Hispanic necklaces. The third room showcases Rivera’s paintings, including ‘Ofrenda del día de Muertos (1943)’, and ‘Retrato de Carmen Portes Gil (1921)’.
In the fourth room, contemporary artworks by Paul Klee and other top artists are displayed, while the fifth room contains two large papier-mache Judas figures. The 6th and 7th rooms house the dining room and kitchen, designed in classic Mexican style with blue and yellow tiles, where Frida spent much of her time. The two rooms are filled with large earthenware pots, glassware, utensils, plates, and more which came from Oaxaca, and Metepec. Off the dining room was Rivera’s bedroom, with his work clothes, jacket, and hat still hanging from a wall rack.
Upstairs, visitors can explore Frida’s final bedroom and studio, preserved as they were. The studio features her wheelchair and an unfinished portrait of Stalin, while her bedroom contains her ashes, personal items, and a mirror she used for painting self-portraits. The bed’s headboard and footboard display a painting of a dead child and a photo montage of Communist leaders, respectively, reflecting her political beliefs.
The Art, sketches, and paintings of Frida Kahlo
The first-floor rooms of Frida Kahlo’s home are dedicated to her art, sketches, and paintings. Here, you can find most of her smaller, lesser-popular paintings, as several of her major works are housed in museums worldwide. A highlight of the arts and paintings is Viva la Vida, the last painting Frida completed before her death. The painting’s title, meaning “Live Your Life,” is poignant, reflecting her awareness that the end was near.
A lesser-known aspect of Frida’s life is her connection to photography, inherited from her father, Guillermo Kahlo, who was a photographer. The exhibit includes several family photos taken by Guillermo, as well as photographs Frida herself took. Frida was a captivating subject and took photography as seriously as painting, often directing her photo shoots to convey exactly what she wanted.
Among the many photos on display, one of the most striking is of Frida gazing into the water in the canals of Xochimilco. This image captures her beauty and the depth of her artistic vision. Though recreating this photo today would be difficult due to the area’s popularity, it remains a testament to her enduring influence in both art and photography.
Exhibition of Frida’s Dresses
Frida Kahlo was renowned for her distinctive style, which remains influential in fashion trends today. But what inspired her choices? From her vibrant dresses to her intricate hairdos, every item in her wardrobe was carefully selected for a reason. The exhibition of her dresses provides insight into these choices, with exhibits accompanied by detailed write-ups in both Spanish and English, explaining the “what, why, and how” of Frida’s dressing style.
Frida’s unique fashion sense was deeply connected to her life experiences, particularly the two traumatic events that left her physically disabled. She used her style not only to complement her physical disabilities but also to make a bold, feminine statement rooted in her indigenous heritage. The exhibition beautifully captures this interplay between fashion and identity.
If you are someone who gets emotionally involved with stories, you will find the write-ups accompanying Frida’s dress exhibition profoundly moving. They vividly conveyed the pain and resilience in her life, making you feel a deep sense of despair. You will even feel dizzy as you imagine how Frida dealt with her traumas through her dressing style.
The Garden and Courtyard
The Frida Kahlo tour ends in the expansive courtyard and garden, enclosed by the four wings or sides of the house. The courtyard is divided by a reflection pool, a fountain, and a stepped pyramid, echoing the Aztec architecture that resonates with Mexican heritage. These were built by Diego Rivera in the 1940s when he expanded the house.
The walls facing the courtyard are decorated with mirrors and marine shells, adding a unique artistic touch. Sculptures by Mexican artist Mardonio Magana are also displayed here. One side of the courtyard bears an inscription that reads, “Frida y Diego / vivieron en / esta casa / 1929–1954” (Frida and Diego lived in this house:1929 to 1954), commemorating the couple’s years in the home.
The garden itself is a vibrant display of plants and flowers from Mexico and around the world, each labeled for visitors to appreciate and understand what flowers and plants were there. In Frida’s time, the garden was alive with her pet birds, monkeys, and visiting butterflies, creating a lively, colorful sanctuary. Walking through the garden, you will be enveloped in the same bright, bold atmosphere that inspired Frida’s artwork. The colors, the artistic energy, and the cool, serene environment invite you to pause, sit on one of the benches, relax, and absorb the creative spirit that still lingers in the air.
Now that you are familiar with what to expect before you visit Casa Azul Mexico City, let’s design a personalized itinerary for your adventure.
Coyoacan Neighborhood
Coyoacan, where the museum is located, is a charming neighborhood worth exploring. If you visit the museum on a Saturday, be sure to check out the local market just a few blocks away. Here, you will find everything from leather bags and trinkets to raw meat and fridge magnets, all at bargain prices.
When you need a break from all the city’s walking tours, enjoy authentic Mexican food from one of the many food stalls—just remember to bring cash in Mexican Pesos. Nearby, San Ángel offers more street activities and art galleries, making it another great spot to explore.
How to Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City
Visiting the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City is a must for art lovers and history enthusiasts. However, to make the most of your experience, some planning is necessary. Here’s a practical guide to ensure a smooth visit:
Tickets
The Frida Kahlo Museum is one of Mexico City’s top art scenes and can get quite crowded. To avoid long waits and ensure swift entry, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Two Travel can handle this for you, so you won’t have to worry about availability or standing in long lines.
The best time to visit Frida Kahlo Museum
Due to the museum’s popularity and relatively small size, it can be very busy, especially on weekends. To enjoy a more peaceful visit, plan to go during off-peak times. Visiting early in the morning, right when the museum opens at 10:00 AM, is ideal. This will allow you to explore the house and garden at your own pace before the crowds arrive.
Take the best tours of Casa Azul
To enhance your experience, consider booking Two Travel’s Frida Kahlo Museum Tour. Our guided tours provide exclusive insights and stories about Frida’s life and work that you won’t find in standard guidebooks. The tour includes access to her art studio, vibrant garden, and personal belongings, offering a comprehensive look at her life.
We also offer an option to extend your tour to include the surrounding Coyoacan neighborhood. This includes:
- A visit to the nearby Leon Trotsky Museum.
- A walk through the picturesque Coyoacan Market.
- Stops at local landmarks like the Church of San Juan Bautista.
This extended tour is perfect for those who want to delve deeper into the cultural richness of the area while visiting the museum.
So, let Two Travel make your visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum a memorable and hassle-free experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of this extraordinary artist.
Craving a memorable taste Caza Azul? Let Two Travel be your flavor tour! We are not just planners, but also memory architects.
The Magic of La Casa Azul
The Frida Kahlo Museum is not just a place to see art; it’s a place to experience the life and spirit of one of Mexico’s most beloved artists. From the vibrant blue walls of the house to the intimate personal objects on display, La Casa Azul offers a unique window into the world of Frida Kahlo. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone looking to connect with the cultural heart of Mexico, a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the artist and the country she so passionately loved.
