5 tips for a great visit to the artist’s Casa Azul.
On my first trip to Mexico, I told David there were two things I had to see:
- The National Anthropology Museum (watch this space for a future story on this must-see stunner)
- La Casa Azul
La Casa Azul (the Blue House) was the childhood home of Mexico’s premier artist, Frida Kahlo. As an adult, she lived there with her husband Diego Rivera, another famed Mexican artist. The home they created was a hub of artists and intellectuals, including Marxist revolutionary Leon Trotsky who was in exile in Mexico.
Today, it houses the Frida Kahlo Museum and is a wonderful showcase of both her art and her life. It is the only museum I’ve been to where I didn’t just enjoy the art and learn about the artist, but also felt a growing relationship with the artist herself.
I hope you have a chance to visit La Casa Azul yourself someday and get to know Frida within her own walls. When you do, here are my best suggestions to make the most of your time:
- Wear comfortable shoes.
From the line to get in to the slow shuffle through the house, you’ll be able to enjoy your visit more if you’re not distracted by your aching feet. You may be tempted to forego sneakers when heading to the museum, which resides in Coyacan, one of Mexico City’s trendiest neighborhoods. Trust me, though, cushy soles and good arch support are high fashion at Frida’s house.
- Buy your tickets online to avoid the lines.
Don’t be like David and me:
It’s easy to purchase your tickets online and save yourself a long wait in line. (And there’s always a line.) Just visit the Frida Kahlo Museum website and choose the day and time you want to visit. Keep in mind that the museum is typically closed on Mondays.
Also keep in mind that the prices you see are in pesos, not US dollars, even though the symbol is the same: $. You can use this currency exchange calculator to find the cost in dollars.
- If you want to take photos, be prepared to pay.
When you enter the museum, let the staff know if you want to take photos during your visit,. In exchange for a small fee, you’ll be given a sticker to wear showing you paid. Museum guards are vigilant about monitoring for photo privileges, so be sure everyone in your party who wants to take photos gets their own sticker.
Even with the sticker, flash photography and videos are strictly forbidden.
- Take your time.
Definitely schedule more time than you think you’ll need for two reasons:
- There is so much to see you don’t want to short-change yourself by rushing through. Each room of La Casa Azul is packed with Frida’s art and life. Paintings, drawings, photos, articles, art supplies, whimsical crafts, and historical artifacts fill each room.
- These are rooms in a house, not galleries in a museum. While it was certainly spacious living quarters, there isn’t a lot of wiggle room for the 1,000 or so people who pass through every day. It can be slow going as you try to get a good view of all there is to enjoy.
- Enjoy the gardens.
After touring the main house and exhibits, you’ll find yourself in the courtyard and gardens. Take a few minutes to relax where Frida and her friends did, surrounded by tropical plants that inspired her art, serenaded by calling birds and soothing fountains. When you’re ready to walk again, stroll the portico lined with Frida’s collection of pre-Hispanic art. You can also watch a great video about Frida’s life.
Be sure to save some time to explore Coyacan after you bid La Casa Azul adios.The neighborhood is still well-known as a center of art; it is rich in history, with areas dating back to the 16th century; and rumor has it you can find some of the best ice cream in the city here, too. Come to think of it, with so much to do outside La Casa Azul, you might want to leave your sneakers on for a little while longer.
