Viva la Frida!

The renowned paintings and drawings from the Museo Dolores Olmedo are displayed alongside an extraordinary collection of her personal belongings such as clothing, painted corsets and jewelry from Museo Frida Kahlo. By merging these two collections from Mexico City, the Drents Museum has the unique opportunity to tell the complete Frida story.

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) is without a doubt one of the best-known and most beloved artists in the world. Her impressive works of art, turbulent life and special lifestyle have made Kahlo a global icon and cult figure. Due to a serious bus accident, she suffers a lot of pain and undergoes a large number of operations over the years. What always gives her the strength to continue is her great love for art, for her husband - the artist Diego Rivera - and for Mexico and its culture. She paints self-portraits intertwined with symbolism, inspired by her tumultuous relationships, broken body, political convictions, extraordinary resilience and creativity.

Paintings and drawings from the Olmedo collection
Museo Dolores Olmedo has the largest collection of artwork by Frida Kahlo in the world. The collection was created by the Mexican Dolores Olmedo (1908-2002), who in 1955 was advised by her good friend Diego Rivera to start collecting art made by Kahlo. In Viva la Frida! Key pieces from this collection are on display, including Henry Ford Hospital (1932), The Broken Column (1944) and Self-Portrait with Monkey (1945).

Personal belongings from the Blue House
This exhibition sheds new light on Kahlo's life story through the remarkable collection of personal belongings from the Blue House, where the artist lived all her life (now Museo Frida Kahlo). These assets were discovered in 2004 after being hidden from view for 50 years. The collection includes photographs, documents, drawings, clothing, jewelry and painted corsets.

In Assen, dozens of personal belongings and 42 works of art by Frida Kahlo can be admired in the large exhibition hall, including 28 paintings and 14 works on paper. In the cinema in the large exhibition hall, visitors can watch the short film Meet Frida. The exhibition and accompanying book Viva la Frida! - Life and art of Frida Kahlo (WBOOKS, 2021) shed new light on Frida Kahlo's world and the way culture, politics, gender, disability and national identity have influenced her life, her style and her taboo-breaking art.

Online opening
Viva la Frida! is officially opened on Thursday afternoon, October 7, 2021 with Queen Máxima in attendance. With a surprising online opening program, the museum is aiming for a big start to the exhibition, alternating interviews with fashion, dance, music and a virtual tour.