Leon Trotsky's House Museum is the home where the exiled Russian revolutionary lived from 1937 until his death in 1940. It stands on Río Churubusco in Coyoacán, a short walk from Frida Kahlo's Blue House. The rooms are kept much as they were, from the kitchen and dining room to the bedroom and the study where Trotsky was killed. Allow time for the garden, the small cafe on the grounds, and the photos and film that trace his life.
From Russia to Coyoacán
Trotsky was expelled from the Soviet Union in 1929 after falling out with Stalin in the power struggle that followed Lenin's death. He spent years in exile in Europe and Turkey before reaching Mexico.
Diego Rivera asked the Mexican government to let Trotsky come to Mexico City. At first Trotsky lived with Rivera and Frida Kahlo at the Blue House. Trotsky's affair with Kahlo led to a split with Rivera, and Trotsky and his wife then moved to their own home in Coyoacán, where they lived until 1940.
A fortified home
As Stalin's agents increased their attacks, the house became more like a fortress. Trotsky himself described it as a jail.
An earlier assassination attempt left bullet holes in the bedroom walls, and they are still visible. The front façade of the house is painted red.
Inside the house
The rooms include the kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom and bathroom, which show the daily routines of the household. Photos on the walls tell the story of his life.
A room shows a film about his life and ideas, with English subtitles. It explains how he came to settle in Coyoacán. Memorabilia and biographical notes are displayed in buildings off the patio. The interior is plain, and the books, printed material and writing spaces show how much of his life went into study and writing.
The study and the grounds
Trotsky was attacked in his study in August 1940. Ramón Mercader, a Stalinist agent, struck him with an ice axe. The study is part of the visit, and the room is kept as it was.
On the grounds, a tomb engraved with a hammer and sickle holds Trotsky's ashes. The horticultural garden is the quiet part of the visit, and it is best enjoyed on a day with good weather.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee?
Yes. Admission is 70 pesos per person. Check the museum website for the current price before you go.
Are guided tours available in English?
Yes. Guided tours are offered in Spanish and English. Some displays are in Spanish only, so an English tour helps.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, the elevator and the restroom are listed as wheelchair accessible.
Is there somewhere to eat or drink on site?
There is a small cafe on the grounds, next to the garden.
