How To Visit The Frida Kahlo Museum in 2024 -

How to visit the home turned museum of Mexican icon, Frida Kahlo, in 2024

In a short, yet dynamic life, Frida Kahlo had early educational pursuits in medicine and later became most recognized for her art inspired by self and Mexican culture. Kahlo was a Mexican painter most known for her self portraits. The museum, also known as “Casa Azul” for its bold blue color, is the place where Frida Kahlo was born and raised. After her death in 1954, her husband Diego Rivera redesigned her childhood home in Coyoacán, and turned it into a museum dedicated to her life.

Frida Kahlo encountered many health issues throughout her life. At the age of 6 Frida Kahlo was diagnosed with polio. At the age of 18 she was involved in a major traffic accident that kept her hospitalized and home bound for months. She experienced pain and complications from this accident for the rest of her life.

As a place for creation – Frida Khalo was committed to using everything around her as she created from her reality and experiences. She created art in her notebooks, clothing and corsets. Her creative process is at times introspective, drawing on her exploration of self as she navigates her health. Other times she receives commissions, and undergoes research to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. She was inspired by folk art, pop culture and social issues.

How To Purchase Tickets

You can buy tickets to the Frida Kahlo museum online. I purchased the tickets before I arrived in Mexico City without any issues. Upon arriving to Mexico City, locals emphasized purchasing tickets before visiting the museum as in person ticket sales may no longer be available. You can purchase tickets to the museum here.

Location

The Frida Kahlo Museum is located in the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City at this address:

Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

This is not to be confused with another Frida Kahlo Museum located in Playa del Carmen. Make sure you are going to the correct location!

I arranged transportation through my hotel, but you can also use Uber to visit the museum. I used Uber during my stay in Mexico City and found it to be a safe and reliable option.

What To Expect

When you arrive at the museum you may see people waiting in lines. If you purchased tickets online, make sure you join the correct line for your visit time. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled ticket time to join the line. Once you enter you will have to pass through security where your bags will be checked. Refrain from bringing large backpacks or food as you will have to leave it in the storage room.

Inside the museum you will see many of Kahlo’s paintings and personal belongings. The home is carefully preserved and well maintained. The set route patrons use to explore the house make it easy to visualize what daily life was like for Kahlo. The collection of clothes, corsets and wheelchair on display provided an intimate understanding of Kahlo’s daily struggles.

The museum is relatively small, but due to crowds you may want to give yourself 1.5-2 hours to fully experience the exhibit. As you navigate through the museum, the didactics carefully guide patrons through the years of Kahlo’s life with descriptive storytelling. These text panels are provided in Spanish with the English translation below it. Frida Kahlo described her reality in quote “Esperar con la angustia guardada, la columna rota y la inmensa mirada. Sin andar en el vasto sendero, moviendo mi vida cercada de acero” which translates to “To wait with hidden anguish, my spine broken and my gaze, broad. Unable to walk on the great pathway, moving through life fenced in by steel.”

“Esperar con la angustia guardada, la columna rota y la inmensa mirada. Sin andar en el vasto sendero, moviendo mi vida cercada de acero”
Frida Kahlo

Final Thoughts

Frida Kahlo’s uncompromising vivid self portraits cemented her in the history of Mexico and assured her global recognition. While seldom known during her lifetime, she has risen to acclaim because of her multi-faceted work. In an effort to paint her own lived experience she gave meaning to a point in time for the world to admire. She pushed boundaries, faced adversity and was a forceful defender of her convictions. Kahlo continues to influence many communities today, making this exhibit a must see attraction when you visit Mexico City.