A First Look At The New Frida Kahlo Museum In Mexico City

The Museo Casa Kahlo, spearheaded by Kahlo’s descendants, focuses on her early years.

The new Frida Kahlo museum is adjacent to the famed Casa Azul in the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City.Photo by Rafael Gamo/Courtesy of Rockwell Group

Nearly 70 years after her death, Frida Kahlo remains one of the most recognizable, and mythologized, figures in art history. Though her face, framed by bold brows and often floral headdresses, frequently adorns everything from mural walls to tote bags, less is known about the making of the artist. However, a new museum in Mexico City is attempting to change that by sharing a new chapter in her story.

Opened September 27 in the heart of the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City, the Museo Casa Kahlo—also known as Casa Roja—offers an intimate counterpoint to the famous Casa Azul, Kahlo’s longtime residence and more recently a popular museum (officially known as Museo Frida Kahlo). The two museums are adjacent to each other.

While Casa Azul focuses on her adult life, including her artistic achievements and her marriage to Diego Rivera, a famed Mexican muralist, the new museum delves into her early years and the familial influences that shaped her (with a strong focus on her father, Guillermo Kahlo, a photographer who is often credited for nurturing his daughter’s artistic passion). The project is spearheaded by Kahlo’s descendants, including her grand-niece Mara Romeo Kahlo and great-grand-nieces Frida Hentschel Romeo and Mara Deanda Kahlo, who aim to present a more personal and comprehensive narrative of Kahlo’s life.

“This is a dream long held by our family,” said Mara Romeo Kahlo in a press release. “Frida’s legacy belongs to the world, but it begins here—on this land, in these homes, and in the culture that shaped her. Museo Casa Kahlo will allow us to tell new stories, share family secrets, host new voices, and build a future that honors her spirit.”

Visitors to Museo Casa Kahlo will have the opportunity to view never-before-seen personal artifacts, such as letters, childhood photographs, Kahlo’s first oil painting, and her only known mural. The museum will also feature rotating contemporary exhibitions from Mexican, Latin American, and female artists.

The establishment of Museo Casa Kahlo is supported by the newly formed Fundación Kahlo, a nonprofit organization based in New York that will oversee the museum’s development and operations. In addition to this museum project, the group plans to invest in Latin American and Indigenous art through grants and monetary prizes. Currently, there are no concrete collaborations established between Museo Casa Kahlo and Museo Frida Kahlo, the latter of which is managed by a trust under the Central Bank of Mexico (the building was donated to the state following Kahlo’s death in 1954).

By offering locals and visitors a deeper understanding of the artist beyond her widely recognized works, Asami Robledo-Allen Yamamoto, director of education and outreach at Latinos in Heritage Conservation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Latinx heritage, said the new museum allows fans to “expand how we understand her legacy—not only as a symbol of Mexican identity and artistic innovation but as a deeply complex, multilingual, politically engaged feminist who lived with chronic pain.”

“Dedicating space to Frida’s work opens the door to essential conversations about embodiment, illness, culture, and resilience,” Robledo-Allen Yamamoto told Afar. “Museo Casa Kahlo can serve as a dynamic site of dialogue, inviting new generations to interpret her work through evolving cultural narratives and lived experiences—especially those rooted in the communities Frida called home.”

Beyond Museo Frida Kahlo and Museo Casa Kahlo, travelers can see Kahlo’s work throughout Mexico City. Her renowned painting The Two Fridas hangs at the city’s Museo de Arte Moderno, while The Broken Column and Henry Ford Hospital are some of her works on display at Museo Dolores Olmedo. There’s also the Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, a museum complex with a small selection of works that once served as the studio and residence for both Kahlo and Rivera.

The new Museo Casa Kahlo is located at Aguayo 54 in the Coyoacán neighborhood of Mexico City, and is open Wednesday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays. Guided tours will be available from 9 a.m. to 4:50 p.m, with free tours available from 5-6 p.m.

https://www.afar.com/authors/bailey-berg

Crafting The Ultimate LGBTQ Travel Itinerary In Mexico City

Mexico City, with its vibrant culture, rich history, and thriving LGBTQ scene, offers a unique and diverse experience for travelers. From the trendy Roma/Condesa neighborhood to the historic grandeur of the Zócalo, the city is a treasure trove of activities. This guide will help you create the perfect LGBTQ travel itinerary, blending culture, cuisine, and unforgettable experiences in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Begin Your Journey in Roma/Condesa: A Hip, European-Inspired Haven

Begin your journey in the hip Roma/Condesa neighborhood, where wide, tree-lined avenues and stately art nouveau mansions give La Condesa a distinctly European vibe. This area is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, thanks to its mix of chic cafés, trendy boutiques, and vibrant street life. Hipsters and young professionals stroll with their dogs in Parque España, a shaded green space that offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle.

You’ll find a range of cutting-edge fashion shops and vintage boutiques as you explore, making this area a shopper’s paradise. The blend of old and new, classic and contemporary, makes Roma/Condesa a perfect starting point for your Mexico City adventure.

For accommodations, consider staying at Hotel Plaza Galerias. This modern five-star hotel is in the heart of the city's financial and commercial district.

Lunch at San Juan Mercado

Next, head to the San Juan Mercado, a traditional Mexican market in the historic center of Mexico City, known for its gourmet and exotic foods. This market is a must-visit for foodies, offering a variety of unique ingredients and delicacies. Wander through vibrant stalls filled with everything from exotic meats like crocodile and ostrich to fine cheeses and wines. San Juan Mercado is a feast for the senses and a great place to sample the flavors of Mexico City.

Explore the Zócalo: The Heart of Mexico City

No trip to Mexico City is complete without visiting the Zócalo, the city’s historic main square. Officially known as Plazade la Constitución, the Zócalo has been the center of public life since the days of the Aztec empire. This vast square is a must-see, surrounded by some of Mexico’s most important landmarks.

Visit the Catedral Metropolitana, the largest cathedral in the Americas, with its stunning architecture. Explore the Templo Mayor and the ruins of the Aztec ceremonial center, and view Diego Rivera’s murals at the Palacio Nacional. Stroll down Calle Peatonal Madero, a pedestrian street lined with shops and eateries, offering a lively contrast to the historic surroundings.

For a truly immersive experience, stay at Zocalo Central. Located right in the heart of the city, this hotel offers stunning views of the Zócalo and easy access to the city’s most iconic sites, including the Catedral Metropolitana and the Palacio Nacional.

Two Sides of Culture at Palacio de Bellas Artes and Lucha Libre

For art lovers, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is a cultural gem. This magnificent building blends Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles and is Mexico’s premier cultural center. Inside, you’ll find world-class exhibitions, performances, and events that celebrate Mexican and international art.

Afterward, experience the colorful world of Lucha Libre, Mexico’s unique form of professional wrestling. With its vibrant masks, high-flying maneuvers, and enthusiastic crowds, Lucha Libre is both a sport and a performance, offering a thrilling experience that’s quintessentially Mexican.

Float Through Xochimilco

Take a break from the city’s hustle with a visit to Xochimilco, the last remnants of the Aztec vast water transport system. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely cruise on a colorful trajinera, a gondola-like boat that takes you through the ancient canals. The festive scene is a carnival of mariachi bands, food vendors, and artisans who float by, offering a uniquely Mexican experience.

Discover Coyoacán

Next, head to Coyoacán, a neighborhood rich in history and culture. Once a rural village, Coyoacán has retained its traditional charm and is now a hub for artists, intellectuals, and bohemians. Stroll through its cobblestone streets, visit the Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul), and enjoy a gastronomy tour of the area. Coyoacán offers a taste of old-world Mexico with its vibrant markets, cafés, and cultural landmarks.

Museo Soumaya and Museo Jumex

For those who love art, Mexico City offers two must-visit museums. The Museo Soumaya, with its distinctive modern architecture, houses a vast collection of over 66,000 pieces, including works by Diego Rivera, Rufino Tamayo, and European masters like Matisse and Degas. Nearby, the Museo Jumex, the city’s newest contemporary art museum, showcases cutting-edge exhibitions in a striking white-concrete building designed by British architect David Chipperfield.

Historic Elegance at Chapultepec Castle and Lunch at Barro Negro

Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to Chapultepec Castle, perched atop Chapultepec Hill in the middle of the city’s largest park. This historic site offers stunning views and a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s past. After your visit, enjoy a sophisticated lunch at Barro Negro, known for its contemporary Mexican cuisine.

Zona Rosa: LGBTQ Hub and Nightlife Capital

Cap off your itinerary in the Zona Rosa, Mexico City’s LGBTQ hub and nightlife district. Known for its vibrant gay community, eclectic shopping, and lively nightlife, Zona Rosa is a welcoming space where everyone can feel at home. Part of the larger Colonia Juárez neighborhood, Zona Rosa is also known for its diverse cultural scene, including a recently established Korean community, adding even more diversity to this dynamic area.

For a luxurious stay that keeps you close to the action, book a room at W CDMX. This stylish hotel is not only pet-friendly but also hosts fabulous drag shows on Fridays and Saturdays.

Mexico City: One Of The Best Destinations For Celebrating Pride

As Pride Month kicks off worldwide, Mexico City stands out as a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming destination for celebrating LGBTIQ+ pride. Known for its rich cultural heritage, dynamic arts scene, and warm hospitality, Mexico City offers an unparalleled experience for all visitors, making it a perfect place to honor love, diversity, and equality.

A Hub of Inclusivity

Mexico City is celebrated for its progressive stance on LGBTIQ+ rights and its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment year-round. The city's diverse neighborhoods, from the bustling historic center to the trendy Roma and Condesa districts, are known for their acceptance and support of the LGBTIQ+ community. This inclusivity is evident in the numerous LGBTIQ+-owned businesses, inclusive nightlife, and a wide range of events and activities that celebrate diversity.

In fact, since 2019 Secretaria de Turismo CDMX, the Mexico City Secretary of Tourism, has carried out important actions and campaigns to develop, promote, and position the LGBTIQ+ segment, positioning the city as a world center for encouraging inclusivity and discrimination-free tourism.

The city obtained the Queer Destinations certification, which aims to ensure respect for people's rights in terms of accessibility, equality, inclusion, and diversity. Mexico City has also earned the Best Urban Destination Award for the second consecutive year, highlighting its commitment to LGBTIQ+ tourism.

Pride Parade 2024: A Spectacular Celebration

One of the highlights of Pride Month in Mexico City is the annual Pride Parade, which draws millions of participants and spectators from around the world. The parade is a vibrant display of unity, with colorful floats, dynamic performances, and an atmosphere of joy and solidarity. Starting at the iconic Angel of Independence and culminating at the Zócalo, the city's main square, the parade is a testament to Mexico City's dedication to LGBTIQ+ rights and its vibrant culture.

We demand to live with dignity!” is the motto of the Colectiva de Organizaciones Civiles (Civil Organizations Collective) who announced that the event will take place in Mexico City on Saturday, June 29. Let us remember that for 46 years, it has been celebrated on the last Saturday of June.

But the parade is just the beginning when it comes to the tapestry of events that take place across the city.

Starting from June 20, the city will kick off the Festival Mix Mexico. Nearly LGBTIQ+-themed films are part of the showcase that will be exhibited in the city. The opening takes place at the Teatro de la Ciudad Esperanza Iris, featuring a screening of the film, "Todo el silence," (All the Silence).

High Heel Race: This fabulous event, held June 22, invites everyone to don their best stilettos to participate in the High Heel Race, taking place from the intersection of Sonora and Durango streets in Roma to Parque Espana. A participation fee of 200 pesos is required and the proceeds will go to Inspira Cambio A.C., an organization that supports LGBTIQ+ individuals' sexual and mental health needs.

LGBT Cup 2024 in Mexico City: This year's Copa LGBT will take place from June 27 to 30 at Ciudad Deportiva de la Magdalena Mixhiuca. The competition includes tennis, soccer, basketball, diving, swimming, Olympic wrestling, and many other sports. It is expected to draw more than 2,000 athletes from different states across Mexico. There will also be a five-kilometer nighttime race on Paseo de la Reforma, which kicks off on June 28 at 6 p.m.

Latin American Pride 2024: Latin American Pride 2023 will remain in the city’s memory forever, which is why CDMX invites everyone to attend Latin American Pride 2024 on June 27. The promise is a bigger and more spectacular pride celebration than last year.

Groove City Pride: Groove City presents a night filled with music, color, and community to celebrate diversity and love in all its forms. Expect DJs from the Mexican scene playing the best of house, afro house, and tech, along with drag shows, exclusive Groove City merchandise, and local artists. It’s an inclusive and safe environment where attendees can be themselves and celebrate with pride. Get ready to dance all night on the terrace with the best view of Reforma at this dynamic PRIDE party on June 29th.The event will run from 7:00 p.m. on June 29th to 12:30 a.m. on June 30.

Sáfica Party and Lesbian Sunset: Also on June 29, in collaboration with Fiesta Sáfica and Lesbian Sunset, CDMX is offering a unique experience at one of the city’s most exclusive Polanco venues. With two stages and a variety of performances, Bian’s party promises to be the best night for women and non-binary individuals.

ELLA CONECTA SUMMIT: ELLA CONECTA is an international network of diverse professional women. Its goal is to connect, inspire each other, create business synergies, and empower LGBTQ+ women. They provide spaces to showcase women’s projects, collaborate on joint initiatives, and offer inspiration by sharing life experiences. This year's summit will be held June 27 and 28.

A Year-Round Inclusive Destination

While Pride Month is a special time, Mexico City's commitment to inclusivity extends throughout the year. The city hosts a variety of LGBTQ+ events, including film festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals, ensuring that there is always something exciting happening. Additionally, the city's progressive policies and strong support networks make it a safe and welcoming place for LGBTIQ+ travelers at any time.

Join Us in Celebrating Pride

Mexico City invites everyone to join in celebrating Pride and experience the warmth, diversity, and vibrancy that makes it a standout destination. Whether you are marching in the parade, exploring cultural landmarks, or enjoying the lively nightlife, Mexico City offers an unforgettable Pride celebration that reflects its spirit of inclusivity and love.

For additional information, please visit https://mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx/

Christmas In Mexico City Should Be On Your List.

Mexico City, the City that Has It All, will show off its best during the December season with more than 264 must-see events and activities for national and international tourists of all ages.

There will be posadas and pilgrimages in the 16 neighborhoods that make up Mexico City, at no charge from December 16 to 23, with the traditional Mexican fruit punch and the symbolic 7-spike piñatas.

On Paseo de la Reforma, the emblematic avenue of Mexico City, the Christmas Eve Flower Festival will take place, with the presence of flower farmers who will dress the city in red and offer unbeatable prices; Let us remember that 59% of the land in Mexico City is conservation.

Also, in Reforma, the Christmas Tourism Festival will take place from December 12 to 17, with all 32 States of Mexico bringing their crafts and cuisines.

At the Casitllo de Chapultepec, the Amalia Hernández Folkloric Ballet will perform, with the show titled “Christmas in Mexico.” The Christmas Craft Festival will be held at the Casa del Risco Museum; and the Coffee and Chocolate Festival, at the Palacio de Minería.

In an international press conference, Armando Machorro, Coordinator of National and International Promotion and Marcela Ortíz, Deputy Director of Information and Digital Content, of the Ministry of Tourism, Mexico City, reported that the Bolo Festival and the Candlelight Ballet will also be held.

In the heart of the Historic Center, you will enjoy the Verbena del Zócalo, with its Christmas fair and its spectacular and colorful Christmas lighting; live music and pastorelas, which will be free and will start mid-December and run until the first days of January 2024, from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

To end the year, the countdown will be celebrated in Latin Times Square style, at the Ángel de la Independencia, with music, food, plus the must-see New Year's Eve concert.

Sports Tourism has been growing in Mexico City and will be represented with the “Santa Run” race, which will be attended in costumes and with a mascot.

The Christmas Bazaar will also be held at the World Trade Center, an emblematic business location; and where the famous San Silvestre race will take place.


Santa Fe, Paseo de la Reforma, Chapultepec, Zócalo, the Monument to the Revolution, Coyoacán, San Ángel and the Basilica, as well as Xochimilco and Polanco, are some of the metropolitan areas with the greatest tourist attraction and have prepared recreational activities.

In Religious Tourism, 6 million parishioners are expected to attend on December 12, to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe, in La Basílica, the second most visited Marano temple in the world.

Six Flags, one of the busiest amusement parks and known by national and foreign visitors, began Christmas celebrations on November 24, 2023, and running until January 14, 2024. On Christmas Day, the amusement park with its stages, lighting and ornaments inspired by Christmas in which the music, songs and dances are enjoyed, as well as the Mexican traditions of the season – posadas and piñatas, included.

Finally, the UNAM and OFUNAM Philharmonic Orchestras also dress up and will offer Christmas concerts, more information can be found on their billboards.

The dates and times of all CHRISTMAS events in Mexico City, The City that has it ALL, can be found at the following addresses and social networks: https://cartelera.cdmx.gob.mx and https://mexicocity. cdmx.gob.mx; @turismocdmx

Come Live Día De Los Muertos, Day Of The Dead In Mexico City

Mexico City sets the scene for one of the most important holidays in Mexico — Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This ancestral tradition dates back to pre-Hispanic Mexico, with roots originating in the cultures of Mesoamerica. Over time, these traditions were blended with Catholic beliefs to give rise to the holiday we know today, celebrated across Mexico.

The central pillar of the celebration is remembering the lives of those no longer living. Loved ones and family members take to cemeteries and each other's homes with offerings of flowers, water, photographs of the deceased, their favorite food and drink, and other items that help to remember those who passed.

The celebration is so integral to Mexican culture that UNESCO has established it as a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and nowhere in Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead as vibrantly and passionately as Mexico City. This year’s celebration promises to be just as magical, poignant, and beautiful as ever.

The month-long celebration kicked off on October 6 with the Festival de la Llorona en el Embarcadero de Cuemanco, which took place on the canals of Xochimilco, the Venice of the Americas. The evening show takes place aboard the colorful trajineras and includes a performance on the legend of La Llorona (The Crying Woman).

On October 18, the Festival de las Flores de Cempasúchil takes over Paseo de la Reforma with thousands of brilliantly colored marigolds illuminating the path of the dead. It is estimated that five million marigold flowers will be produced this season.

October 21 marks one of the most highly anticipated events of Day of the Dead in Mexico City: the Desfile de Alebrijes Monumentales, a parade of giant puppets that measure up to eight feet tall. Alebrijes are gorgeous works of art that blur the lines between reality and surrealism. They have become one of the most time-honored traditions of Mexico City's Day of the Dead.

The parade is a precursor to the next magnificent event. The following day, October 22, begins the Mega Procesion de Catrinas. This spectacle is a massive parade that begins at the Angel of Independence in Reforma and ends at the Zocalo, in the heart of the Centro Historico. Hundreds of gorgeous Catrinas take to the streets, with hauntingly beautiful painted faces, elaborate costumes, flowers, and music. La Catrina is the primary figure of Day of the Dead, a representation of an Aztec figure, The Goddess of Death, who was later popularized by engraver Jose Guadalupe Posada.

Engines rev on October 26 at the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, one of the most important events in professional car racing.

All of this is, of course, a build-up to the actual Day of the Dead. Celebrated between October 31 and November 5, this is when the offerings are made to the dearly departed. In Mexico City, the Zocalo hosts an Ofrenda Monumental, or massive offering that fills the entire plaza with altars, flowers, incense, photographs, and much more. Thousands of people take to the streets dressed as zombies for another festive, colorful, decked-out parade.

All are invited to participate in the events spread out over the month of October. Celebrations are held in every city across the country. But there is no better place in Mexico to experience Dia de Los Muertos than in the beautiful, vibrant, exciting capital city.
Getting There

Mexico City is one of the easiest destinations to access, thanks to thousands of non-stop flights from around the world, as well as from around Mexico. Benito Juarez International Airport is one of the main hubs of Latin America, with direct U.S. flights from Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Atlanta, San Antonio, Orlando, Las Vegas, Newark, Denver, Austin, Detroit, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Oakland, and Sacramento.

Mexico City Launches Latin America’s Latest Cable Car Line

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico City has launched the first of what it hopes will be several cable-car lines serving the poorer outskirts of the city of 9 million.

Thursday’s inauguration of the first leg of the “Cablebus” line marks the latest chapter in Latin America’s love affair with cable cars, which are seen in much of the world as largely for tourists and ski slopes.

The neighboring State of Mexico already has a cable car serving one northern Mexico City suburb, and the city’s own first line was also built on the poor, crowded north side.

Cable cars are seen as a cheaper, quicker way to bring public transport to poor communities located high up hillsides. Since they’re airborne, the car lines also don’t have as many difficulties with Latin America’s notoriously difficult issues of chaotic development, bad traffic and lack of rights-of-way.

By June, the line will run almost 9.2 kilometers (6 miles) from Cuautepec, a working class neighborhood on the northern edge of Mexico City, to the nearest subway and bus station. The stretch inaugurated Thursday covers just 1.7 kilometers (1.06 miles) of that route, to the neighborhood of Tlalpexco.

At present, officials explained, residents at the top of the hill in Tlalpexco have to board crowded, small vans that travel much more slowly. Plus, they don’t have the nice view the cable cars offer from their big windowed cars that can seat 10 passengers at a time. The cars run on electricity and can travel about 13 miles (20 kilometers) per hour, far faster than most traffic in the city.

“There are nearly a million inhabitants living in the area around the Cablebus, and they make their trips in small vans that descend through narrow streets, and that may take, from the highest point ... as long as 55 minutes or an hour,” Guillermo Calderon, director of the electrical transportation system Mexico City.

Traditional transport solutions like bus or subway lines are almost impossible here, both because there are no rights of way in the densely packed slums, and they are crowded along hillsides on steep 15-degree slopes.

Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said a second cable car line is being built in Iztapalapa, another working class neighborhood, to the east.

“Having the best transportation for the poorest parts of the city reduces inequality,” Sheinbaum said.

Cuautepec resident Evelyn Sánchez said that, like most people here, her biggest challenge is getting to the nearest subway station.

“It does take us a long time, and now with this, well now it is going to be a lot quicker,” Sánchez said.

The city of Medellin, Colombia, launched its cable cars in 2004. Since then, many other Latin American cities have followed suit, ranging from from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to La Paz, Bolivia.