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Colima 71
January 8, 2025
Colima 71
Dive into Frida Kahlo's World:
In the vibrant heart of Coyoacán, where cobblestone streets whisper stories of a deep and magical Mexico, stands a place that transcends time: the Casa Azul (Casa Azul).
More than just a museum, the Casa Azul is a portal into the intimate world of one of the 20th century's most iconic artists, Frida Kahlo. Its walls, imbued with color and life, hold her artwork and the essence of her existence—her passions, her pain, and her unbreakable spirit. Traveling is about more than just seeing places; it's about connecting with the soul of a destination, immersing yourself in its culture, and having truly transformative experiences.
We invite you to discover the Casa Azul through one of the best tours in Mexico City—a curated experience that will take you deep into Frida Kahlo's unique world, an encounter with the artist, the woman, and the legend. It's a must-do for anyone who loves art and Mexican culture. For those looking for enriching day trips from Mexico City, this is a perfect choice.
Picture a house painted an intense blue—a cobalt blue that evokes the deep Mexican sky. It's no accident; Frida Kahlo, with her unique sensibility, chose this vibrant color, making it a visual statement of her personality and her art.
The Casa Azul, originally built in 1904 as a family residence, became much more than just a home. It was the setting of Frida Kahlo's childhood and the refuge of her tumultuous love affair with Diego Rivera, the workshop where her most iconic works were born, and ultimately, the sanctuary where she found solace in the midst of pain.
Walking through its rooms is like stepping into Frida's mind, discovering her sources of inspiration, her personal belongings, her collections of Mexican folk art, and the indelible traces of an intense and passionate life. Today, it's a must-see on any Mexico City tour. Many visitors consider this experience one of the highlights of their day trips from Mexico City.
The Casa Azul, located at Londres 247 in what was then the town of Coyoacán (now part of Mexico City), was built in 1904 on land that had belonged to Frida Kahlo's family since the late 19th century. It was designed in an eclectic style, common at the time, combining Neocolonial elements with touches of traditional Mexican architecture.
Frida's father, Guillermo Kahlo, a German-born photographer who came to Mexico during the Porfiriato and worked for major publications and government projects, commissioned the house. Originally, it was a modest one-story building with a central courtyard. Over time, and due to various circumstances, including Frida's accident in 1925, the house was modified and expanded.
In the 1940s, Diego Rivera, with the collaboration of architect Juan O'Gorman, made significant changes to the house, adding a second floor and a studio for Frida. O'Gorman, known for his functionalist architecture and murals, incorporated modern elements into the building, such as the use of concrete and the integration of the house with the garden. These modifications gave the Casa Azul the appearance we know today.
The gardens of the Casa Azul, while not attributed to a specific designer by name, were created and cared for primarily by Frida and Diego. They personally selected the plants, arranged the pre-Hispanic sculptures, and created an environment that reflected their love for nature and Mexican folk art.
The garden is characterized by its lush vegetation, with a wide variety of native Mexican plants, such as cacti, agaves, bougainvillea, and fruit trees. You can also see pre-Hispanic sculptures that Frida and Diego collected, integrating elements of ancient Mexican culture into their personal environment. The garden became a space for introspection and creativity for Frida, a place where she found solace and inspiration for her work.
Frida Kahlo's life (Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderón, Coyoacán, July 6, 1907 – ibid., July 13, 1954) was marked by physical and emotional pain, but also by an unwavering passion for life, art, and Mexico. Her deeply personal and autobiographical work became a mirror of her own existence, a testament to her resilience, and a powerful expression of female and Mexican identity.
At the age of six, Frida contracted polio, a disease that affected her right leg and left her with a permanent limp. This was just the beginning of a series of challenges that would mark her life. In 1925, she suffered a serious bus accident that caused multiple fractures and internal injuries, forcing her to undergo numerous surgeries and wear orthopedic corsets for much of her life.
It was during her long convalescence after the accident that Frida began to paint more seriously. With a mirror placed in front of her bed, she became her own model, creating a series of self-portraits that explored her identity, her pain, and her relationship with her body. As she herself said, "I paint myself because I am the person I know best."
Physical and emotional pain became a driving force for her creativity. Through her paintings, Frida transformed her suffering into art, creating works of brutal intensity and honesty. Her self-portraits, full of symbolism and references to Mexican culture, are a testament to her strength and her ability to transform adversity into beauty.
In 1929, Frida Kahlo married the muralist Diego Rivera, a renowned Mexican artist 20 years her senior. Their relationship was passionate, complex, and stormy, marked by infidelities, separations, and reconciliations. As Frida herself described it, "I have suffered two serious accidents in my life: one in a bus, the other is Diego."
Despite the difficulties, Diego Rivera had a great influence on Frida's work, encouraging her to develop her own style and to explore themes related to Mexican identity and popular culture. Together, they became key figures in 20th-century Mexican art, leaving an indelible mark on art history.
More than just a simple visit, at Colima 71 we invite you to experience one of the best tours in Mexico City through a deep immersion into Frida Kahlo's world. Our Casa Frida Kahlo Experience has been carefully curated to offer you a unique approach to the life and work of this iconic artist, combining the visit to the Casa Azul with special moments that will enrich every step of your journey. This makes for one of the most memorable day trips from Mexico City.
Forget about logistics, lines, and planning—we offer you a curated experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in Frida Kahlo's universe, with the peace of mind of having everything taken care of. Find out more here.
Enjoy priority access to the Frida Kahlo Museum, accompanied by a private expert guide on the artist's life and work. This guide will accompany you throughout the tour, sharing fascinating details about the history of the house, the exhibited works, and the historical and cultural context that surrounds Frida.
This private tour will allow you to explore every corner of the Casa Azul at your own pace, asking questions and delving into the aspects that interest you most. From the studio where Frida painted her masterpieces to the garden where she found inspiration, each space will reveal a fragment of her life and her legacy.
After the visit to the Casa Azul, the experience continues with a delicious lunch at the renowned Los Danzantes restaurant, located in the heart of Coyoacán. This emblematic place offers a gastronomic proposal that rescues the traditional flavors of Oaxaca, with a contemporary twist.
At Los Danzantes, you can enjoy dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From moles to tlayudas, every bite will be a journey through Mexico's rich culinary culture. In addition, the restaurant has a beautiful terrace and offers a selection of mezcals and artisanal cocktails, perfect for toasting the life and art of Frida Kahlo.
Book your experience here.
Book your experience and accommodation and get a discount here.
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