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

TSA Cracks Down On Unexpected Travel Item: Your Toothbrush

Recently, the TSA has instituted many new rules and regulations regarding items and luggage. Frequent flyers probably know what items they can and cannot pack into checked luggage. Since 2008, the TSA has enforced restrictions to lithium-ion batteries, where uninstalled or loose batteries were not permitted in checked luggage. This is due to the risk of lithium battery fires. Earlier this year, TSA announced bans on certain cordless flat irons and curling irons in checked luggage. With the TSA regularly updating their restrictions, a recent common household item has entered their list.

The TSA now requires electric toothbrushes with lithium batteries to travel in carry-on bags only. This rule applies to any toothbrush with built-in lithium-ion or lithium-metal cells. Spare batteries must also stay in the cabin with carry-on luggage. This is to be able to mitigate hidden fires, which can wreak havoc in the checked luggage. The cabin crew can quickly attend to any battery fire emergencies if devices remain visible in the cabin. Passengers who pack these items in checked bags may face delays or confiscation at security checkpoints.

TSA posted on X warning airplane travelers about electric toothbrushes. They have issued a warning to customers to pack electric toothbrushes with installed lithium batteries in carry-on bags. TSA also emphasized that any spare or uninstalled lithium batteries should be packed into carry-on luggage. The agency further added “Any spare or uninstalled lithium batteries must be placed in a carry-on bag.” On Instagram, TSA used Gen Z slang and playful stated: “Tooth be told, you should place any item with a lithium metal or lithium-ion battery in a carry-on bag.”

The primary reason for the ban comes down to the batteries. Since 2008, TSA has implemented restrictions on lithium-ion batteries due to checked luggage cabin fire risks. Lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway when damaged, overcharged, or overheated. This process generates temperatures exceeding 1,832 °F (1,000 °C) and releases toxic gases.

Non-rechargeable lithium-metal batteries pose similar hazards but typically store less energy. When a battery cell fails, it can ignite surrounding materials rapidly. Halon fire extinguishers can suppress flames temporarily but cannot stop thermal runaway making these fires difficult to stop. Flight crews must use large amounts of water to cool batteries and prevent re-ignition.

Checked bags face compression, jostling, and temperature changes that could possibly trigger the device or battery. Compromised battery cells become more susceptible to short-circuiting and increasing potential risk of fires. At cruising altitude, reduced air pressure can further destabilize lithium batteries. Hidden fires in cargo holds may burn undetected until smoke reaches passenger areas, making prevention near impossible.

The FAA recorded 50 lithium battery incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat on U.S. flights in 2025. On August 5, a passenger’s cellphone overheated on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Madrid. The device caused smoke in the cabin, injured the passenger, and damaged the aircraft floor. In July, a laptop emitted smoke on a Chicago to Portland flight, forcing a diversion to Wyoming. Cabin crews contained both incidents using water and thermal bags. These events prompted the FAA to issue a formal safety alert to airlines.

Popular toothbrush brands that use rechargeable lithium-ion cells include Philips Sonicare, Oral-B, Colgate, Waterpik, Fairywill, AquaSonic, Quip, and Burst. Oral-B Pro Series models feature lithium-ion batteries lasting up to 14 days per charge. Philips Sonicare DiamondClean uses lithium-ion cells for extended battery life. Even models powered by removable lithium-metal AA batteries require cabin stowage when cells are installed.

In the growing list of items on the TSA’s list, electric toothbrushes join laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, drones, and power banks. E-cigarettes, rechargeable shavers, headphones, and spare battery packs are also required to be packed in carry-on luggage. The FAA prohibits damaged, defective, or recalled lithium batteries in both carry-on and checked luggage. Devices must be completely powered off and protected from accidental activation when packed.

Passengers should make sure their electric toothbrushes are powered off before packing them in their carry-on luggage. Only use the original manufacturer cases or protective covers to shield battery contacts from damage. Place spare batteries in individual protective covers or in their original packaging to prevent short-circuiting. Most airlines allow lithium-ion cells up to 100 watt-hours without any special approval. Larger batteries may require airline notification or pre-approval before travel.

Electric toothbrushes now require carry-on placement due to lithium battery fire risks in aviation. With 50 documented incidents in 2025 alone, regulators prioritize passenger safety over packing convenience. If a fire does break out, flight attendants can respond to the incident immediately in the cabin. By following TSA guidelines and packing responsibly, travelers contribute to safer air travel for everyone.

https://theheartysoul.com/author/zain/

Myst Yacht Charters Reveals Top Destinations For Dream Vacations In 2026

Myst Yacht Charters, a premier independent yacht brokerage specializing in luxury yacht charters, is excited to announce the reveal of its top destinations for 2026. From the enchanting waters of the US Virgin Islands, Bahamas, and Greece to Indonesia and BVI Yacht Charters, the company’s new list caters to every preference and budget.

Specializing in providing expert guidance to help clients select the perfect yacht for their dream vacation, Myst Yacht Charters leverages its team’s over 30 years of combined experience in the yacht charter industry to offer individuals access to breathtaking locations and a diverse fleet, featuring catamaran charters, power yacht charters, and superyacht charters to curate the ideal yacht charter experience. The company’s list of top destinations features detailed insights into the spectacular selection of locations, including weather, itineraries, key facts, and popular activities to help individuals create their dream vacation.

“Your ideal yacht charter starts with us understanding your unique preferences,” said a spokesperson for Myst Yacht Charters. “Whether you want to relax at secluded anchorages, dive into warm turquoise waters, or explore vibrant cultural destinations, we tailor every detail to fit your vision. Not sure where or when to sail? Let our expertise guide you to the best destinations, whether you’re seeking peak season glamour or tranquil off-season charm.”

Myst Yacht Charters offers only the finest yachts on the market, ensuring that each vessel recommended has been rigorously maintained and staffed by the best-trained crews. Our team travels the world throughout the year to personally inspect yachts in person, ensuring they reflect the company’s exacting standards.

As a U.S.-based company, Myst Yacht Charters provides one of the largest selections yachts worldwide – catamarans, powered yachts, superyachts and gulets – to connect clients with the very best yachts available for charter.

With a commitment to curate the perfect yacht charter experience for every client, Myst Yacht Charters maintains a 5-star rating on TrustPilot and has become renowned for its exceptional service, unparalleled expertise, and a love for yachting to craft dream vacations.

Some of Myst Yacht Charters’ top destinations include:

Greece Yacht Charters: Home to over 6,000 shimmering islands and islets dotting the Aegean and Ionian Seas, Greece is a sailor’s dream. With only 170 of these jewels inhabited and convenient direct flights from Athens to the USA, Greece offers a memorable vacation with a selection of activities tailored to meet the needs of every type of traveller.

Bahamas Yacht Charters: Known as one of the most popular Caribbean destinations with over 700 islands and 2,400 cays, the Bahamas is the perfect tropical vacation spot. Whether you want to explore the Abacos Islands from Marsh Harbor, or the Exumas from Nassau we can find the right boat for you.

Indonesia Yacht Charters: With thousands of remote islands, untouched landscapes, and diverse marine life, every journey to Indonesia is a one-of-a-kind experience. From Raja Ampat’s world-renowned coral reefs to Komodo National Park, home to the iconic Komodo dragons and its famous pink sand beaches, Indonesia is fast becoming an up-and-coming charter destination for those seeking to truly get away from it all and immerse themselves in pristine nature, with world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities.

USVI Yacht Charters: The British Virgin Islands are the most popular sailing destination in the Caribbean, home to more charter yachts than anywhere else in the region. Known for their laid-back charm, the islands offer everything from iconic beach bars like the world-famous Soggy Dollar to natural wonders such as The Baths- a spectacular maze of granite boulders where crystal-clear Caribbean waters and sunshine stream through hidden pools and caves. With steady trade winds, calm waters, and short distances between islands, the BVI delivers an unforgettable charter experience.

“Embark on a voyage where luxury meets the open seas, guided by our expertise. Your perfect yacht charter adventure awaits with us!” furthered the spokesperson for the company. Myst Yacht Charters encourages individuals interested in making their yacht vacation unforgettable to visit the website today to browse its top vacation destinations.

About Myst Yacht Charters

Founded in 2019, Myst Yacht Charters is a premier independent yacht brokerage specializing in luxury yacht charters. Whether dreaming of a superyacht charter in the Mediterranean, a catamaran adventure in the Caribbean, or a bespoke itinerary in other global hotspots, specializes in providing expert guidance to help clients select the perfect yacht for their dream vacation.

More Information

To learn more about Myst Yacht Charters and the reveal of its top destinations for 2026, please visit the website at https://mystyachtcharters.com/.

Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets Opens At The Barnes Foundation In Philadelphia October 19-February 22, 2026

A once-in-a-generation exhibition. A visionary artist revealed.

Henri Rousseau. Scouts Attacked by a Tiger (detail), 1904. The Barnes Foundation, BF584. Public Domain.

Step into the lush, hypnotic world of Henri Rousseau, one of the boldest forces in modern art.

Born in 1844, and with no formal art training, Rousseau defied the odds to become a cult figure to avant-garde legends such as Pablo Picasso. His paintings—dreamlike, symbolic, and deeply strange—range from imaginative visions of the jungle to portraits that capture his neighbors and loved ones.

Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets is the first major US exhibition in decades dedicated to this pioneering French painter. Featuring more than 60 works—including world-famous highlights like The Sleeping Gypsy, The Snake Charmer, and Unpleasant Surprise—the exhibition invites you to see Rousseau in a whole new light.

Don’t miss this world-premiere exhibition that unveils new research discoveries—including hidden layers beneath some of Rousseau’s celebrated paintings—and brings together, for the first time, the two most important Rousseau collections in the world, those of the Barnes Foundation and the Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris.

Developed in partnership with the Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris, Henri Rousseau: A Painter's Secrets is curated by Christopher Green, consulting curator, Professor Emeritus at the Courtauld Institute of Art, London, and Nancy Ireson, Deputy Director for Collections and Exhibitions & Gund Family Chief Curator at the Barnes, with the support of Juliette Degennes, curator at the Musée de l’Orangerie.

For more details and timed tickets, please visit: https://www.barnesfoundation.org/

Americans And Canadians To Be Fingerprinted And Photographed In These European Countries First From Mid-October

American and Canadian travelers visiting Europe will very soon be subjected to a few more steps at passport control under a new system called the EU Entry/Exit System—or EES for short. What is EES? Essentially, it’s a new, all-digital method of passport control and entry into European Union (EU) countries, specifically those in the Schengen zone.

Instead of getting their passport stamped, non-EU travelers (which includes Americans and Canadians) will provide their biometric data to enter the continent, which means handing over fingerprints and facial scans from mid-October. That information will be stored for three years. Any time Americans and Canadians visit Europe thereafter, they'll only need to scan their passport and undergo facial scanning.

Travelers also don't have to register for the EES; all that's needed is a valid passport. However, eventually, likely in 2026, all non-EU residents, including Americans and Canadians, will have to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) before traveling to Europe, a type of visa waiver for visa-exempt nations, for which there is a fee to pay (one that's already tripled in cost before even launching). ETIAS is similar to the United States' ESTA, a type of pre-travel authorization and approval to enter the USA—which also doubled in price on September 30.

The EES system officially launches on October 12, 2025, although it won't be a continent-wide implementation from the beginning. EES will roll out in phases, but it's expected to be fully operational at every border point in the Schengen area by April 2026. So, which European nations will set the EES going first? As it turns out, only two countries so far will introduce EES from October 12 at every border access point.

Which European Countries Will Launch EES First?

Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport

The first country in Europe's Schengen zone to launch the EES is Estonia, according to the Independent, which surveyed Schengen nations involved in the rollout. Estonia will implement the system from day one on October 12 at all of its points of entry.

"All our border control points will start using EES from day one," a spokesperson for Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board said.

As a result, any American and Canadian travelers entering Estonia via the international airport in the country's capital, Tallinn, plus its seaports and road and rail crossings from Russia, will undergo biometrics.

Meanwhile, EES in Luxembourg will also be fully operational from October 12, mainly because the small size of the country means it's much easier to roll out than in other larger nations (it only has one frontier, Findel airport). "We're ready for it, but unfortunately, many other countries aren’t yet," The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg's home affairs minister, Leon Gloden, told local media.

Luxembourg Airport

Aside from Estonia and Luxembourg, all other countries in the Schengen area will introduce the EES in waves, with major international airports likely to be prioritized first. For instance, Germany's Düsseldorf airport will be the only frontier post operating the new EES system on 12 October in the country, the Independent reported. Still, although the system will be phased, EU member states have 180 days to complete full checks on non-EU travelers according to the European Commission's direction. So, which countries will apply the EES from October?

Which European Countries Will Launch EES In October?

29 countries in the European Schengen zone will start their introduction of EES from October. The full list of EES countries in alphabetical order is the following:

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Any non-EU citizen deemed a "third-country national," including those who don't normally require a visa to enter the EU, a category into which Americans and Canadians fall, must be EES-registered for entry to the Schengen area.
Furthermore, travelers from visa-exempt countries (including Americans and Canadians) will also have to obtain the earlier-mentioned ETIAS visa waiver, which requires an advanced application and a fee. However, ETIAS won't be put in place until 2026, meaning Canadian and American travelers don't need to apply for this in advance until next year. According to the ETIAS website, approval wait times are expected to be anything from minutes to days if extra checks are needed.

Estimated ETIAS Approval Wait Times

Wait Time

Explanation

Minutes

Most standard applications Up to 96 hours

Applications requiring automated database screening Up to 14 days

Applications requiring additional documentation or information Up to 30 days

Applications that need an interview

While the ETIAS system won't be in effect right away from October 12, the EES system will be officially starting its rollout, albeit in phases, across the European Union's Schengen area. So, all Americans and Canadians traveling to Europe from this date should be prepared to give biometrics, including fingerprints and facial scans, at many European border points.

Lastly, during the rollout period, third-country nationals will also be required to undergo analogue passport checks and normal wet stamping when passing through European border frontiers with EES in place, which means facing double red tape until the system is fully ready across all access points.

https://www.thetravel.com/author/lauren-feather/

Beijing Chaoyang International Light Festival 2025 Unveils Nearly 60 Light Art Installations

Themed " Together! We Shine! ", the 2025 Beijing Chaoyang International Light Festival will run from September 26 to the end of October, seamlessly integrating modern technology, art, and culture to present a dazzling spectacle for both local residents and global visitors.

This year's festival once again welcomes internationally renowned director Richard Taylor and international light art teams, including the Singaporean team, to collaborate on creative design. Partnering with the China Urban Sculpture Artists Association and China's top eight art academies, the event will showcase nearly 60 large-scale light and sculpture installations during the festival.

The festival's main venue will transform the Liangma River, its banks, and the adjacent Chaoyang Park into a luminous wonderland. Visitors will discover interactive aquatic performances featuring technologically advanced installations like the Blue Whale and Pegasus -- mechanical creatures that "swim" across the river. Cultural highlights include the BBC Earth Live Symphony Concert, the UK animated family show Shaun the Sheep, and Yin Ge: Hong Kong Cinema Classics Symphony Concert.

The renovated Shell Theater at Chaoyang Park, Beijing's first outdoor water-based performance space, will officially open to the public during the festival. Nearby, the floating "Cube" stage on North Lake will create a dreamlike fusion with Beijing's iconic skyline, becoming a must-visit photo spot along the Liangma River. Over 100 high-quality performances will also be presented in collaboration with the 2025 Liangma River Art Season, featuring renowned domestic and international artists.

The festival further enriches its offerings by collaborating with globally popular pop culture icons: it has created a dedicated "Star Bear" stage at POP MART City, launched Wakuku's immersive urban pop-up installations along the Liangma River and at the Chaowai UIC Urban Complex, and partnered with INS New Paradise to present waterfront leisure and entertainment experiences.

Visitors to Beijing Chaoyang during this period will enjoy a multifaceted experience blending light, art, dreams, and joyful urban discovery.

Source: 2025 Beijing Chaoyang International Light Festival

2025 Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance To Illuminate Hong Kong With Ancient Rituals And Modern Spectacles

Get ready to be dazzled as one of Hong Kong’s most spectacular cultural traditions returns this Mid-Autumn Festival! The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, proudly inscribed on China’s Third National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, will set the Tai Hang neighbourhood aglow from 5-7 October. The magnificent 67-meter-long dragon, adorned with over 12,000 incense sticks and guided by around 300 passionate performers, winds through Wun Sha Street and Tung Lo Wan Road, delivering a breathtaking fusion of heritage and good fortune.

This year promises even more unforgettable experiences, featuring a stunning inflatable moon, decorative streetscapes, and a variety of captivating cultural performances. Don’t miss the interactive photo opportunities that will make your visit truly magical!

A Living National Intangible Cultural Heritage with 146 Years of History

First performed in 1880 after appearing in a village elder’s dream, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s cultural tapestry. Constructed over one month from pearl straw, rattan branches and hemp rope, and with a head weighing nearly 50 kilograms, the dragon spans 32 segments and becomes a captivating display of smoke and motion in full flight. Recognised on China’s National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the ritual embodies a communal wish for blessings, health and peace.

A Spectacular Prelude at Victoria Park

Starting from 30 Sep, visitors can immerse themselves in the event at Victoria Park. They can learn about the culture through history wall displays and photo spots showcasing the mini fire dragon’s head, pearl, and drum. Two days before the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, on 3 and 4 October, there will be small LED dragon performance by young generations at night to keep the traditions alive.

Keeping the traditions alive with Modern Spectacles

New Instagram-worthy installations elevate the festive atmosphere, featuring a three-meter-wide glowing inflatable moon atop the Chinese Recreation Club, symbolizing reunion for the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Fire Dragon Path, adjacent to the event, will also be decorated with traditional motifs, infusing a contemporary flair into the celebration. During the Fire Dragon Dance, it will also feature exciting interim performances like small LED Dragon Dance and martial arts performances which further energise the atmosphere, bringing the culture to new generation.

Visit Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre for a Deeper Cultural Connection

For a deeper cultural experience, visit the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre at 12 School Street, housed in a Grade 3 Historic Building. The centre offers a captivating look into the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, featuring engaging exhibitions and artifacts that highlight its significance to the Hakka community. Guests can also enjoy delicious Hakka cuisine at the on-site restaurant while uncovering the enchanting story of the Fire Dragon and Hakka heritage.

Event info

Date: 5 – 7 October 2025

Time: 7:30pm – 10:00pm

*On Mid-Autumn (6 October), the event will be extended to 11:30pm

Location: Wun Sha Street and Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang

More information:

Discover Hong Kong

https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/explore/culture/tai-hang-s-fire-dragon-dance.html