Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo were one of Mexico’s most iconic couples.
Their larger than life artwork was matched by their larger than life relationship, a relationship they lived out in Mexico City.
Those who have a love and appreciation for Rivera and Kahlo can step into the couples’ world by planning a visit to the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo.
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Their home which consists of two separated buildings connected by a small foot bridge is one of the most visited locations in Mexico City.
It’s also located in the glamorous neighborhood of San Ángel, which is known for its cobblestone streets, antique churches, and vibrant historic mansions.
Pro-tip: If you visit this part of town, make sure to stop in for lunch and/or dinner at San Angel Inn. Located right across the street from Diego & Frida’s old home, this beautiful restaurant offers traditional Mexican cuisine in a renovated 17th century monastery.
Surrounded by gorgeous architecture and history, it’s no secret why Frida and Diego’s studio home pulls so many visitors in.
Once at the museum, visitors will be met with two beautiful buildings. The smaller one, Kahlo’s home, was painted blue to pay homage to her family home in nearby Coyoacán. The larger, white and terracotta building belonged to Diego.
Inside both homes, guests can get a glimpse into the unique lives of these two artists.
Inside Rivera’s home, visitors can view the painter's collection of paper-mâché human and animal sculptures. These beautiful works of art are on full display in the very studio he constructed them in.
Guests can also walk through Rivera’s bedroom, office, and living space. In addition to the art, Rivera’s small archeological collection of historic artifacts is also on display.
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As visitors walk through the homes, they’ll get a sense of who the couple was together and who they were as individuals.
For example, in Rivera’s studio, there are different Judas figures scattered around. These figures were originally used for burning during Easter week festivals. However, the couple enjoyed collecting them and displaying them in their home.
Across the footbridge is Kahlo’s home. While the furnishing of the home has changed over time, the bathroom is still intact with the original furniture used by Kahlo. The bathtub in particular is the same one that appears in Kahlo’s 1938 painting “Lo que el agua me dio” (what the water gave me). The original furniture as well as the space in general will transport visitors to the time and literal place where this famed artist created much of her work.
The couple lived and worked in this home after they moved to Mexico City in 1934. When Kahlo’s father died, she moved back to her birthplace, Coyoacán (another Mexico City neighborhood located nearby), in April 1941, where she lived until her death in 1954.
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Rivera on the other hand stayed in his studio in San Ángel until his death in 1957.
While the couple’s artwork lives on, those who want to get a deeper sense of the couple’s life can do so by visiting the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo.
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About the Author
Nadia El-Yaouti
Nadia El-Yaouti is a writer and photographer based out of Central Virginia. As a travel writer, she enjoys connecting readers with stories and sharing photographs that depict the beauty of different cultures. Some of her most prized work introduces readers to underrated destinations like Mexico, Kurdistan, and North Africa. When she’s not juggling work, she can be found traveling the globe with her wonderful husband and three darling children.
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