Nickolas Muray, Frida with her Pet Eagle, Coyoacán, 1939, printed 2024, inkjet print, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of NickolasMuray Photo Archives. © Nickolas Muray Photo Archives
Alright, Houston, it’s time to get your art-loving hearts ready—because Frida has come to town in a way you’ve never experienced before. This month, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston opens Frida: The Making of an Icon, an ambitious and fascinating exhibition that digs deep into how Frida Kahlo went from being a brilliant painter to a global cultural icon. And trust me, this isn’t just a “look at her self-portraits” kind of show—this is a full exploration of how Frida became, well… Frida!
A Legacy Across Generations
Curated by the incredible Mari Carmen Ramírez, Wortham Curator of Latin American Art at MFAH, the exhibition features 35 of Kahlo’s works alongside pieces by artists from five generations who have drawn inspiration from her. From her surrealist contemporaries in the 1930s, to Chicana/o artists in the 1970s, to feminist and LGBTQ+ movements in the 1980s and 1990s, to identity-focused creators of today—this show is all about how Frida’s work and persona have continued to resonate, adapt, and inspire across decades.
Frida Kahlo, Diego and I, 1949, oil on canvas, Collection of Eduardo F. Costantini.
© 2026 Banco de Mexico Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Museum Trust, Mexico, D.F./
Artists Rights Society, New York
Enter Fridamania
One of the things that makes this exhibition truly special is its focus on Fridamania. If you think you’ve seen Frida everywhere before, think again. The exhibition includes a whole gallery of over 200 objects celebrating her image—from clothing and jewelry to posters and merchandise. Seeing it all together really drives home just how far-reaching her influence is. And honestly, it’s kind of magical to see an artist’s work take on a life of its own, in ways she might never have imagined.
The Woman Behind the Icon
But the show isn’t just about the phenomenon—it’s also about Frida the woman. Through archival materials from the Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico City and MFAH’s International Center for the Arts of the Americas (ICAA), you’ll get an intimate look at her life. Personal items like her clothing, jewelry, and photographs give context to her art, showing the careful thought she put into crafting her own image and identity. It’s a rare chance to see the real Frida alongside the larger-than-life figure she became.
Mary McCartney, Being Frida, London, 2000, giclée print, courtesy Mary
McCartney Studio. © Mary McCartney.
Experiences You Can’t Miss
And because I know how much you all love experiences, MFAH has lined up some fantastic programming around the exhibition:
- Talking Frida (Jan 24, 2 PM) – A conversation with curators, artists, and filmmakers about how Frida’s story and work continue to inspire new generations. Think of it as a masterclass in Frida fandom.
- Fashion Fusion “Frida: The Making of an Icon” Runway Show (Jan 30, 7 PM) – A design competition and professional fashion show inspired by the Frida art on view at the Museum.
- Drop-in Tours & Tour & Toast – Docent-guided tours of the exhibition, some ending at Cafe Leonelli for a complimentary drink. Because what’s better than art and a little wine?
- Frida Film Screening (Feb 6-7, 7-9 PM) – Watch Salma Hayek embody Frida’s fiery spirit, her struggles, and her genius in the beloved Frida film.
Miriam Schapiro, Conservatory (Portrait of Frida Kahlo, 1988, acrylic and fabric collage on canvas, Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum, Miami University Art Museum purchase funded through the Helen Kingseed Art Acquisition Fund and the Commemorative Acquisition Fund (Anonymous). © 2025 Estate of Miriam Schapiro / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
One of my favorite parts about this exhibition is how it really shows the dialogue between Frida and the generations of artists she influenced. You see how different communities, activists, and creatives took inspiration from her life, her pain, her politics, and her fearless self-expression. It’s not just about looking back—it’s about seeing how Frida continues to spark conversation and inspire creativity today.
Dates, Details, and Where to Go Next
Frida Kahlo, My Dress Hangs There, 1933, collage and oil on Masonite, Colección
FEMSA. © 2026 Banco de Mexico Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Museum Trust,
Mexico, D.F./ Artists Rights Society, New York.
The exhibition runs January 19–May 17, 2026, and then heads to Tate Modern in London. With support from organizations like Bank of America and the Jerold B. Katz Foundation, plus numerous generous patrons, this exhibition is a testament to the enduring power of Frida’s art, life, and influence.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of her work or discovering her for the first time, Frida: The Making of an Icon is immersive, inspiring, and unforgettable. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of who Frida Kahlo was, why her work continues to matter, and how her legacy has shaped art, culture, and even activism for over seventy years.
Frida isn’t just on a wall — she’s in the conversations we have, the art we create, and the way we express ourselves. And this exhibition proves that her influence is timeless, bold, and unapologetically alive. So grab your friends, put on some flowers in your hair if you want, and experience Frida like Houston has never seen her before!!
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I must admit this exhibit surpassed my expectations! Having previously traveled to the Frida exhibition at the Dallas Art Museum in 2024 and then to Mexico City for all the Dia de Los Muertos festivities where my first stop was in Coyoacan to visit Casa Azul (Frida’s home), I had been looking forward to this show for months.
Prior to visiting the MFAH show, I had read previews of “Making of an Icon” that emphasized works and memorabilia influenced by Frida without much focus on her original works. As a result, my expectations became tempered. However, I was very pleasantly surprised that the exhibition included an extensive and impressive collection of Frida’s’ work in addition to the supportive background noise. While I knew there would be a few of her original pieces I had seen before, overall it was much more extensive than I had anticipated!
Will definitely go again!….and again!
I agree that it was awesome……I haven’t seen others but have heard this one at MFAH was superior. I know that the curators said they had worked on this for four years!!! Happy that you enjoyed it!! How are you BTW??! xoxo