Frida Kahlo Museum aka The Blue House

Self Portrait in a Velvet Dress, 1926 by Frida Kahlo

In the Colonia del Carmen neighborhood of Mexico City are several museums. Perhaps the most famous is the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House. Here, you can see where she was born, painted several of her masterpieces, and, later, died. The house is intact, just as it was in the 1950's, and displays many of her best known works.

Iconic painter Frida Kahlo was born in the house in 1907 and lived here during her childhood, where she completed some of her first paintings.

Portrait of My Father, 1951 Frida Kahlo

 Frida was an instructor for Escuela de Pintura y Escultura de La Esmeralda, and taught classes at her house. She couldn't teach at the school due to her poor physical health. Frida died in the house in 1954. Her ashes are kept in an urn at the house.

Frida and the Cesarean (unfinished), 1931, Frida Kahlo

The Frida Kahlo Museum now houses several of her masterpieces. It is amazing that you can get so close to her works. The house also has several of her personal items and the kitchen is displayed just like it was in the 50's when Frida spent much time there.

Self Portrait with Stalin, Frida Kahlo, 1954

Frida and her husband, Diego Rivera, were politically Communist. The painting above, one of her final efforts, shows her allegiance to Soviet Leader Joseph Stalin. It was completed just before her death and lacks the detail of Frida's other work due the powerful pain medication she was taking.

It is interesting to note that Frida and Diego housed Leon Trotsky and his wife in the Blue House after they were exiled from the Soviet Union by Stalin. In fact, Stalin and Trotsky were such enemies that Stalin ordered the assassination of Trotsky which was successfully carried out in 1940 at Trotsky's Mexico City home (he moved out of the Blue House in 1939). By 1954, Frida must have forgiven Stalin for ordering the murder of her friend, and, some say, lover.

Courtyard at the Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexico City

The Frida Kahlo house, like many houses in this neighborhood of Mexico City, is built around a large courtyard. Once you've visited the house, you can stroll the courtyard, sit under a tree, or watch a video about Frida's life. It's all very peaceful and inspiring.

Paper Mache at the entrance of the Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexico City

The Frida Kahlo Museum is a must-see if you visit Mexico City. I'd suggest getting there early. It's open most days 10-5:30 and there's usually a line to get in.

Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexico City

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