Let me paint a picture for you: you step into a vibrant-colored house that is a living storybook of one of the most intriguing artists of the 20th century, Frida Kahlo. La Casa Azul, or the Blue House, is where Frida was born, lived, and created some of her most famous works.
From the moment you see those bold, blue walls, you know you’re in for something special. This house is a window into Frida’s world. You walk through the same rooms where she lived, surrounded by her art, her personal items, and even the bed where she spent so much of her time. The house feels alive with her spirit, and every corner tells a piece of her story. Not to mention the garden in there, which, like many other Mexican homes, is like a little oasis in the middle of the city, filled with the colors and plants that inspired her.
This might help others understand why it is a top destination when visiting Mexico City and, today, we have the perfect guide just for you. Join us in this guide for visiting La Casa Azul and be sure to save it so that you can go in your next visit to Mexico City!
What is La Casa azul?
If there's a place that embodies all the stages of Frida Kahlo's life, it's La Casa Azul. Located in the bustling neighborhood of Coyoacán in southern Mexico City. La Casa Azul, also known as the Blue House, is a historic house turned into an impressive art museum that houses a significant collection of Kahlo's personal belongings, artwork, photographs, and artifacts, providing a deep insight into her life, creative process, and the cultural context in which she lived.
It was the birthplace and lifelong home of the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The house is famous for its vibrant blue walls and has become an iconic symbol of Kahlo's life and work. In this house, Frida welcomed countless friends, including writers, filmmakers, doctors, and politicians like Leon Trotsky and André Breton. She once said she couldn't recall a day when her home didn't have visitors.
It is said that a few years before Frida died, Diego asked their friend Dolores Olmedo to turn the house into a museum after both of them had passed away. She fulfilled this wish in 1958, four years after Frida's death, also ensuring that the bathroom remained closed for 15 years before being opened to the public.
Visitors to La Casa Azul can explore various rooms filled with Kahlo's paintings, sketches, and other personal items, including her clothing, jewelry, and even her wheelchair. The museum also features a beautiful garden and a studio where Kahlo worked on many of her famous paintings.
The Museum Today
Today, the Frida Kahlo Museum is one of the most visited cultural venues in Mexico City. Besides viewing some of her most famous works (such as her first self-portrait, *Viva la Vida*, and the portrait she painted of her father), visitors can explore the rooms where she slept, see the space that inspired her creativity, wander through the stunning gardens, view her easel and dolls, and see the urn that holds her ashes. And of course, you can take the iconic photo next to the sign saying, "Frida and Diego lived in this house."
After your visit, we recommend strolling through the Coyoacán neighborhood, an oasis in Mexico City. You can explore its many craft markets, enjoy an ice cream in the park, or visit another iconic building in this vibrant and bohemian area.
La Casa Azul is located in the Coyoacán neighborhood in southern Mexico City. Plan your visit early, as lines can be long, or buy your tickets in advance online. Note that photography or video inside the house is prohibited unless you obtain a special permit.
Location and How to Get There
La Casa Azul's exact location is Londres 247, corner of Allende, in the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City. The long lines at the entrance, especially on weekends and during holidays, show that it is one of the most visited spots in this southern neighborhood and one of the most popular museums in the country.
Many transportation options can take you there, including rideshare platforms. The nearest metro station to the museum is Metro Coyoacán. From there, you can walk across Avenida Río Churubusco and continue straight on Avenida México, which continues from Avenida Coyoacán. Pass the streets of Bruselas, Madrid, Viena, and Berlín, and you'll find the museum on the street of Londres.
If you're visiting several landmarks and other tourist places in Mexico City, you can also take the Turibus, which runs from 9 am to 9 pm. Just check the route to ensure it takes you from one place to another. (and, if you'd like a more detailed guide around Mexico City, be sure to check out our 5-day Mexico City travel guide here).
Hours
What are the visiting hours? Remember that, like most museums in Mexico City, La Casa Azul is closed to the public on Mondays. The hours for the rest of the week are:
Buy your tickets in advance to avoid lines or, worse, disappointment. Due to the high number of visitors, the number of tickets available each day is limited (and remember, it's a house before being a museum). So avoid the lines and get your tickets online. This way, you can choose the time that suits you best, download your ticket to your phone, and go straight to the entrance without waiting in line to buy tickets.
You can buy your ticket online here, or if you prefer to buy it in person, at the ticket counter or the automatic kiosk located at the restaurant Centenario 107 on Centenario Street No. 107 (three blocks from La Casa Azul).
Ticket Costs
The prices for Summer 2024 vary for nationals and tourists are (in Mexican pesos):
The museum is also closed on holidays: January 1, September 16, and December 13 and 25. On September 15, December 24, and December 31, it is open from 10 to 14.
(Hours and ticket prices updated in August, 2024)
Finally, we highly recommend this virtual visit to La Casa Azul. Visiting the museum is not just worthwhile, it's a delight! If you're a fan of Frida, La Casa Azul gives you the chance to admire her art and immerse yourself in her world of scents, colors, and sounds. You'll experience the intimacy of a home where Frida endured much pain but also loved deeply. The presence of the artist can be felt in every corner, perhaps because one always returns to the places where one was happy and loved life.
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So, what do you think? Would you like to visit or have you ever been to La Casa Azul? If so, tell us about your experiences there, we'd love to have more people who have visited share!
And, as always, feel free to explore our mercadito where you can Frida inspired artisanal items, all handmade by other Mexican artists and artisans that make the perfect gift for a Frida lover, including yourself. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter where we make sure to share this and many more content of interest and artisanal techniques.
