A visit to Diego Rivera's Anahuacalli Museum
About Anahuacalli
This week, I’m sharing my visit to Diego Rivera’s Anahuacalli Museum, an amazing space created by the world-renowned Mexican artist himself. Here, you’ll discover Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo’s collection of pre-Hispanic art in an environment that celebrates architecture, music, crafts, and theater.
The museum, set in a breathtaking natural landscape, was built in 1933 using volcanic stone from the Xitle volcano, with a design by Architect and Painter Juan O’Gorman. The indigenous elements are perfectly integrated into the museum’s fascinating design, which takes inspiration from the Nahuatl word for “energy house”. Exploring the museum is an unforgettable experience, where you can marvel at the work of some of the greatest artists and architects of the period.
the Anahuacalli collection
Diego Rivera designed this studio, museum, and shrine with Juan O’Gorman, as a captivating architectural wonder that unites Mexico City’s past, present, and future with its stunning natural environment.
The museum’s permanent collection boasts nearly two thousand figurines representing the diverse cultures of Olmecs, Toltecs, Nahuas, Zapotecs, Teotihuacan to Northeastern Mexico, as well as Rivera’s murals’ sketches.
Additionally, Anahuacalli displays temporary exhibits of contemporary Mexican artists, including the recent collection of Robert Janitz’s 30 textural works – stunning paintings, large-format sculptures, and even NFT.
Anahuacalli sets a new standard for art enthusiasts with its unparalleled architecture and breathtaking surroundings. A visit to this one-of-a-kind museum is an awe-inspiring experience, and just walking the grounds around the main building is a journey through history and culture.
In the spring of 2023, the fashion house, Dior staged their pre-cruise show dinner (The collection was Inspired by Frida Kahlo)at Anahuacalli. The Dior creative director invited the world’s best female chef from 2023, Elena Reygadas, who runs the Restaurante Rosetta in CDMX to cook for the event.
plan your visit to anahuacalli
Personally, I think the best time to visit Anahuacalli is around Day of the Dead (November 2nd), when the museum puts together one of the most awesome ofrendas, with thousands of marigold petals, sugar skulls, candles, and regional folk art. But really, any time of year is lovely to experience this beautiful space in Mexico City!
Anahuacalli Museum Hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 17:30
Students and teachers of elementary, junior high and high schools or universities: $35 pesos
Citizens over 65, preschoolers and public elementary school children: $20 pesos
Entrance is free for children under the age of 6 and disabled persons
Permits to take photographs General cost: $30 pesos
The Museum is located at 150, San Pablo Tepetlapa, in Coyoacan. Anahuacali is about a 15-20 minute Uber ride from Frida and Diego’s Casa Azul, and makes a nice addition to the Frida and Diego experience if you are visiting Coyoacan for the day.
For additional information, including current exhibits, visit the Anahuacalli Website.
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!
