Even at first glance, it's clear that the artist lived in this house. From the outside, we are greeted by bright blue walls, and inside, equally intense pinks, yellows and greens. Today, Casa Azul serves as a museum dedicated to Frida Kahlo.
This is where the artist spent her entire life - she was born here, created here, and died here. The interior of the house strongly corresponds to what is outside - strong colors permeate from the garden to the rooms.
French-style house
The house is located in Coyoacán, a green suburb of Mexico City. Guillermo Kahlo, the artist's father, moved into it with his second wife and children in 1904. The choice of the house could not have been a coincidence, as Frida's father was an architectural photographer - he usually captured church buildings, factories and streets in his works. Not everyone knows that Guillermo Kahlo was born Carl Willhelm in Germany, and emigrated to Mexico and stayed there until his death. The house was characterized by simple, elegant architecture in the French style. Its appearance began to undergo major changes when the painter moved in with her husband.
Casa Azul - the Blue House of Firda Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
The body of the building was originally simple - L-plan, with a patio and an exit to the garden. The original facade was white, but over time the shape and colors of the house changed. After Frida's second marriage to Diego Rivera, the artists decided to expand it, helped by their friend, architect Juan O'Gorman.
A wing was built that fully enclosed the courtyard. Volcanic rock was used as the material , lined with ceramic elements, and the terrace roof was decorated with pieces of mirror and seashells. Frida's bedroom and studio were moved here. More changes came when Lev Trotsky was hiding in the Blue House . Fearing for his life, the windows facing the street were bricked up, and a high wall was erected on the side of the neighboring lot.
© fridakahlo
The garden surrounding the house must have not only influenced the interior design of the house, but also inspired the artist's work. In addition to the exotic plants growing in it, it was also home to animals - monkeys, parrots, dogs, chickens and even a beagle. Diego Rivera built a pool in it, a fountain and a miniature version of a pre-Columbian pyramid, which was used to display the family's collection of sculptures.
After Frida Kahlo 's death, the artist decided to donate the Blue House to the state with the stipulation that it be used to house a museum dedicated to the painter.
This is the way to enter Casa Azul.
