Many US reviewers have the opinion that this is not a “real museum”. They complain that there is no original Kahlo art displayed here. They are correct. However, I consider this place to be a gem. I would gladly return anytime I can be in the area. Perhaps it is because I was not surprised. Frida Khalo is a remarkable artist with a fascinating life story, but there are precious few of her paintings on exhibit anywhere. I would compare this to any of the popular temporary exhibits traveling the US currently. They show popular artists’ works using moving or still projections. Those have been popular despite their high price and lack of physical art works.
This small museum tells the story of Frida Kahlo’s life through graphic displays, video screenings, interactive exhibits, and room-sized depictions of some of her paintings and popular themes. There are docent-led tours included in the admission price, if you wish to join one. If you are interested in learning what influences are behind certain paintings and why they were created, this is a great place to visit. The reproductions are high quality and will keep me satisfied until I am able to visit her Casa Azul, Museo Dolores Olmedo, or Museo de Arte Moderno in Mexico City. The Louvre was the first major international museum to purchase one of her paintings in 1939. She was the first twentieth-century Mexican artist to be included in their collection.
The museum offers art and craft workshops as special events. I participated in a Huichol session. It was fascinating learning from the visiting artist and trying my hand at this technique. It was a small group and there was plenty of hands-on assistance. The ticket to that workshop included complimentary museum admission, so I arrived a couple of hours early to not be rushed viewing the exhibits before the workshop.
Considering that Frida Kahlo was a wheelchair user herself, any exhibit of her life should be wheelchair accessible. This entire facility was accessible to both manual and power chairs. When you are first approaching from the street, you may only notice the stairs down into the museum, but slightly hidden from view is a ramp leading to the entrance. There are wide aisles inside with plenty of room to get up close to the exhibits. The only space that may be a bit tight for larger chairs is the gift shop which is packed full of treats. The street leading to Fifth Avenue is fairly steep, so while I managed by myself, having someone along to assist with that part may be handy. Any inconvenience from that incline will be easily overlooked once you are inside with these magical exhibits. Enjoy!
Frida Kahlo Museo Playa del Carmen is located at Calle 8 entre 5ta Avenida y el Mar, Centro, 77710 in Playa del Carmen.