The Frida Kahlo Museum, known as La Casa Azul or the Blue House, is the cobalt-blue family home at Londres 247 in Coyoacán where the artist was born in 1907 and died in 1954. She spent most of her life here, and later shared it with Diego Rivera. The rooms hold her dresses, jewelry, letters, kitchen and studio, alongside paintings, folk art and pre-Hispanic pieces. A garden and a large courtyard connect the buildings. Tickets sell out, so book before you go.
The house where Frida Kahlo lived and died
The Casa Azul stands in Colonia del Carmen, in the Coyoacán district in the south of Mexico City. Frida Kahlo was born here in 1907, grew up here and died here in 1954. She lived in other places in the city, but she kept returning to this house, and it is closely tied to both her life and her work.
After her marriage she lived here with the painter Diego Rivera for many years. Together they filled the house with traditional Mexican folk art. Rivera donated the house and its contents in 1957, and it opened as a museum in 1958, four years after her death. The cobalt-blue walls, green window frames and red trim make the building easy to spot from the street.
What you see inside
The visit begins with an introduction to Kahlo's life, with rooms of photographs and paintings. It then continues into the private rooms. The collection of the couple's own paintings is small. What stands out is how personal the display is, because the objects come from the family's everyday life.
You will see her dresses and jewelry, letters and household furnishings. The kitchen has small clay pots hung on the walls in patterns. The studio is full of light, with books and her paint kit. Shelves in her room hold art, dolls and small keepsakes. In the bathroom, her makeup is still on display.
The house also shows what the couple collected: Mexican folk art, pre-Hispanic artifacts, photographs and historic jewelry and ceramics. Alongside Kahlo's work, some rooms show pieces by other artists, because the two of them were collectors as well as painters. Some visitors also come away with a clearer sense of the illness and pain she lived with, which are part of the story the house tells.
Garden, courtyard and annex
The grounds are part of the visit. The garden and the large courtyard are planted and quiet, and they give you a pause between the rooms. A small house in the garden is used for temporary exhibitions. An annex at the back, added in 2004, extends the museum beyond the original home.
The permanent exhibits fill only a few rooms, so the museum is quick to see. If you have children with you, the courtyard is a good place for a snack. The museum is not designed with young children in mind, but older ones may enjoy it.
Planning your visit
The Casa Azul is one of the most visited museums in Mexico City, and lines often wrap around the corner of the blue walls. Book online ahead of your trip, because entry can sell out. Even with a ticket, expect some waiting. Arriving early or choosing a weekday helps.
The museum is closed on Mondays. The gift shop inside is small, and street vendors outside sell T-shirts, tote bags and other souvenirs.
The museum is about a twenty-minute walk from Coyoacán metro station. A walk through the Viveros de Coyoacán, the city's tree nursery, also leads to the house.
Combining it with Coyoacán
The house works well as the start of a day in the neighborhood. The Mercado de Coyoacán, known for its crafts, and the Trotsky Museum are both in Coyoacán, and the main squares are a pleasant walk. Visitors have also paired the museum with lunch on a shaded terrace at Los Danzantes Coyoacán, which serves a menu influenced by Oaxacan cooking.
FAQ
How much is entry to the Frida Kahlo Museum?
General admission for foreign visitors is 320 pesos, and Mexican nationals pay 160. Students, teachers and seniors pay 30 to 60 pesos. Visitors with disabilities enter free with one companion.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes. Tickets are sold on the museum's website and often sell out, so book before you arrive in Mexico City. Even with a ticket you may wait in line, though for less time.
How long does a visit take?
Allow 1 to 2 hours. The permanent exhibits fill only a few rooms, and the garden and courtyard add time if you want to linger.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, elevator, restroom and parking are wheelchair accessible, and there is wheelchair accessible seating.
Where is the Frida Kahlo Museum and how do I get there?
It is at Londres 247, Colonia del Carmen, in Coyoacán. It is about a twenty-minute walk from Coyoacán metro station.
