A new museum dedicated to renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo has opened in Mexico City, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the artist's personal life and family relationships. The Museo Casa Kahlo, housed in what was once the home of Kahlo's sister, presents a fresh perspective on the iconic painter through personal artifacts, handwritten letters, photographs, and clothing that reveal her daily life beyond her famous relationship with Diego Rivera.
The museum is located in Casa Roja, a red-painted building originally purchased by Kahlo's parents before the artist herself bought it as a retreat for her sister and family. The property remained within the family for generations until it was entrusted to Kahlo's grandniece Mara Romeo, who lived there until 2023. Architect Mariana Doet Zepeda Orozco led the transformation of the residence into a museum, with experience and exhibit design by New York-based Rockwell Group, and branding and graphic design by Pentagram and creative director Ileen Gallagher.
"The house tells the previously untold story of Frida as a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, outside of the confines of her life as a partner to Diego Rivera," explained Rockwell Group. The museum aims to showcase Kahlo's personal relationships and early inspirations, providing context for understanding the artist as a complete person rather than just focusing on her romantic life or physical struggles.
Visitors enter through what was once the home's driveway, now converted into a welcoming hallway featuring a ticketing desk crafted by artisans from Guadalajara and historical photographs lining the walls. The central courtyard has been carefully restored based on family photographs, including the reconstruction of curved corner stairs that had been previously lost. Ceramics sourced from across Mexico serve as planters throughout the space, while a hand-carved Cantera Stone pot holds a grapefruit tree that appears as the subject of one of Frida's murals in the home's kitchen.
The museum's exhibitions are thoughtfully distributed throughout the courtyard and basement areas, with restored rooms that include the darkroom of Kahlo's father, Guillermo. A series of galleries leads visitors through the house before descending to the basement, where the centerpiece of the museum awaits: a recreation of Frida's "hidden retreat" or secret studio that was never previously seen by the public.
"Here, Frida was free to write, paint, think, and sketch in a safe and intimate environment," noted Rockwell Group. "Guests will feel her spirit and her creative energy." The candlelit basement room contains personal objects including dolls and a bug collection, furniture and textiles, as well as her desk, paints, and paintings. The LAB at Rockwell Group created an interactive replica of Kahlo's microscope, allowing visitors to observe the same specimens that the artist once studied.
Casa Roja holds particular significance as the location where Frida and her sister established La Ayuda, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping single mothers. This humanitarian effort represents another facet of Kahlo's life that extends beyond her artistic legacy, demonstrating her commitment to social causes and community support.
The museum operates under the Fundación Kahlo, with Ileen Gallagher serving as creative director and Adriana Miranda as chief curator. Photography for the project documentation was provided by Rafael Gamo. Frida Kahlo, who died in 1954, remains one of Mexico's most celebrated artists, and her influence continues to inspire contemporary artists worldwide.
This new museum complements the existing Casa Azul, Kahlo's famous blue house where she was born and died, which has served as a museum since 1958. The opening of Museo Casa Kahlo provides art enthusiasts and cultural tourists with an expanded understanding of the artist's life and work. In 2018, a portion of Casa Azul was recreated for a major exhibition at London's Victoria and Albert Museum titled "Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up," demonstrating the continued international interest in the artist's life and legacy.
The Museo Casa Kahlo is now open to the public, offering a new destination for those seeking to understand the complete story of one of the 20th century's most influential artists. The museum's focus on Kahlo's personal life, family relationships, and private creative spaces provides visitors with a more comprehensive portrait of the artist who has become a global icon of resilience, creativity, and Mexican culture.
