New Frida Khalo Exhibit

'Self-Portrait with Headdress' -Frida Kahlo (oil-on-canvas)

Frida Kahlo Exhibit Opens at VMFA in Richmond

By Ximena Rodríguez-López

RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has opened a new exhibition titled Frida: Beyond the Myth, which showcases a comprehensive collection of works by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The exhibit opens on April 5 and is scheduled to run through September 28, 2025.

The museum’s curators state the goal of the exhibition is to present a fuller picture of Kahlo’s life and work, moving past commercialized imagery to emphasize the personal and political themes central to her practice. The collection includes over 60 original works, such as paintings, drawings, and archival photographs, spanning from 1926 until her death in 1954.

Kahlo, born in Coyoacán, Mexico City in 1907, is internationally recognized for her deeply introspective self-portraits and symbolic visual language. Her life was marked by persistent physical pain stemming from polio and a near-fatal bus accident during her youth. These experiences became recurring subjects in her artwork, often merged with commentary on Mexican identity, sex, and class.

The VMFA exhibition incorporates immersive elements intended to reflect Kahlo's personal world, including color schemes reminiscent of her home, La Casa Azul. Wall texts and audio guides provide biographical and historical context for first-time viewers and seasoned admirers alike.

The museum anticipates high visitor turnout and encourages advance ticket reservations. Tickets for the exhibition are $20 for adults, with discounts available for students, seniors, and museum members. Group tours and educational programming will be offered throughout the exhibition's run. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is located at 200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard and is open daily to the public.