Discovering Diego and Frida's Home Studio
in San Angel, mexico city
Did you know that the famous Mexican Painter, Frida Kahlo actually resided and worked at not just one, but two Casa Azul houses? While many people know of La Casa Azul, located in the Coyoacan area of Mexico City, she also lived in another blue-painted home studio alongside her husband Diego Rivera in San Angel, Mexico City.
These twin houses are connected by an elevated bridge and were constructed in 1932 by the painter and architect Juan O’Gorman who was a friend of Rivera. O’Gorman blended traditional Mexican touches with a bold and modern functionalist style making him the father of Mexican functionalism. The entire design of the homes is symbolic of the two artists’ love affair. Two very different people that are yet forever connected.
Juan O’Gorman, the talented draftsman, made a smart investment at the age of 24 when he purchased two tiered tennis courts. He used one of them to explore the possibilities of new architecture, which eventually led to the creation of his stunning house built between 1929 and 1931.
The San Angel house helped the Architect develop his study of the work of the French-Swiss Architect, Le Corbusier. The project also proved to be influential in convincing Diego Rivera to buy O’Gorman’s idea for a home for Diego and Frida after their stay in the United States.
The house has fascinating features such as two tall horizontal-windows on each story and a rust-colored paint that gives it a unique vibe. The twin homes and studios are a great example of O’Gorman’s functionalism architecture, which showcases his innovative use of double heights, volumes, and materials to create a distinctive living space.
diego and Frida's home studio
Frida Kahlo created some of her most famous artworks while living in this beautiful house and studio in San Angel. Despite not moving in until 1934, her works with the house as a backdrop helped make her famous. The house, which displays not only her works but also those of her husband, Diego Rivera, is full of stunning interiors and beautiful lighting. The gardens and terraces are also sights to behold, showcasing the use of indigenous plants and stone.
Kahlo left the house in 1941 and relocated to her family home of La Casa Azul in Coyoacan, after the passing of her father. Rivera continued to live on and off in the San Angel home until his passing in 1957, producing some of his best works on its walls. In April 1981, the property was assigned protection by the Federal Government, ensuring that its beautiful artworks and architecture could be enjoyed by all.
plan your visit to museo casa estudio diego rivera
The Museo Casa Estudio has been remarkably preserved and restored. It is open for visitors to come inside and experience the intimate spaces where Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo painted, entertained and simply existed together, and apart. Take your time and immerse yourself in their world!
Located in Col. San Ángel Inn, Alcaldía Álvaro Obregón, Mexico City, CP 01060, the studio is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Tickets are available on site, or online for $45 Pesos, with free admission for teachers and students, those over 60 with Inapam credentials, and children under 13. And on Sundays, admission is free for everyone!
If you are looking for a more in-depth and guided tour with transportation, Viator offers a package that includes a visit to both Frida’s Casa Azul in Coyoacan and the San Angel Home Studio.
Are you planning a trip to Mexico City? Check out my Mexico Travel Guide (below) – it’s packed with helpful tips and tricks to get you in, out, and navigate around this beautiful country. Also, be sure to stay tuned for my latest blog posts where I’ll be sharing all my adventures and more tips on finding beautiful architecture and design around the globe!
