VMFA unveils Frida Kahlo exhibit in Richmond

Richmond becomes one of only two US cities to host “Frida: Beyond the Myth.”

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Visit the Kahlo exhibit now until September, 28 at 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd. | Photo courtesy of VMFA

“They thought I was a Surrealist but I wasn’t. I never painted dreams. I painted my own reality.” - Frida Kahlo, via MoMA

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) unveiled its highly anticipated exhibit, “Frida: Beyond the Myth” on Saturday, April 5.

The exhibit features over 60 works of art created or inspired by the enigmatic 20th-century artist Frida Kahlo. Each carefully curated piece made its way to Richmond from the Dallas Museum of Art, where it was first organized.

The photo shows a photo and informative introduction to "Frida: Beyond the Myth." "Frida" is on the wall to the left, designed in cursive red/orange writing. The text underneath is too far away to read. To the right of the introduction, is a large black and white photo of Frida Kahlo wearing flowers on her head, looking down with the bottom of her face in her hand.

A contemplative photograph of Kahlo adorns the exhibit entrance. | Photo by RICtoday

“Beyond the Myth”

Kahlo is a prominent figure in Mexican culture, and her work is well-known by most, but through many different perspectives and mediums.

Whether you’ve admired her impact for years or are just now dabbling in the history, this exhibit is aimed at transcending your understanding. At its heart, it’s a complex representation of Kahlo — both a deeply human individual + an immortal cultural emblem.

While touring the exhibit, you can explore a more personal, firsthand look at her work and life experience, curated through self-portraits, still-life pieces, works on paper, and photographs taken by those near her.

A crowd of people cluster in the VMFA lobby underneath a banner advertising the Frida Kahlo exhibit. A glass-walled walkway and staircase are above the crowd.

You can choose a viewing time + purchase tickets online or once inside the museum. | Photo by RICtoday

Plan your visit

Note: The exhibition features interpretive text in both English and Spanish.

Exhibition dates:
Saturday, April 6-Sunday, Sept. 28

Daily museum hours:
Saturday-Tuesday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Tickets:
Note: General VMFA admission is always free, but special exhibits are ticketed.

Members and children ages six and under: Free
Adults: $20
Ages 65+: $16
Ages 7-17 and college students (with ID): $10

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