Frida, Diego & Modernism in Mexico City | November 2026

The captivating aesthetics of Mexico City, intertwined with its historical legacy, make it an incredible destination for experiencing art and culture. Our tour is centred around modern art and muralism, particularly the work of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, two of Mexico’s most esteemed artists. We will encounter an abundance of masterpieces within museums, home studios and public spaces, and develop a deep appreciation of Frida and Diego’s distinct artistic identities through the city's wider backdrop of ancient civilisations, innovative architectural design and flourishing natural environment.

A particular highlight will be the unique opportunity to experience Frida Kahlo’s work at Casa Azul – ‘The Blue House’. A biographical museum that preserves objects of her life within her late home, the site’s deeply personal environment influenced many of her paintings such as Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird.

Diego Rivera’s work meanwhile will be explored at the city’s Ministry of Education. Spanning 117 panels across the institution and its courtyards, Diego’s monumental narrative is rooted in the left-wing politics of its time. For a dedicated look into the life and creative practices of the couple, we will visit the modernist Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo, which showcases their original studio spaces within a bright and functionalist building designed by painter and architect Juan O'Gorman.

To experience the diversity of modern aesthetics within the city, we plan to visit the Museo de Arte Moderno. This harmonious trio of asymmetrical and minimalist buildings uses light and colour to generate a transcendent atmosphere in which we can view compelling works, including evocative stills captured by photographer Manuel Álvarez Bravo and the surrealist social commentary of David A Siqueiros.

Mexico City also offers a wealth of ancient sites, including the Templo Mayor Museum and Teotihuacan. Once a leading centre in the Mayan world, and later claiming the position of Aztec capital, Teotihuacan continues to project a noble monumentality. The site is home to an array of enduring urban structures including the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon; alongside beautiful artwork such as the red wall paintings and frescoes of the Tepantitla complex.

The Museo Anahuacalli is a fascinating and unique space that explores pre-Hispanic culture through artefacts derived from Diego Rivera’s personal collection. This ethereal gem is boldly influenced by Mayan and Toltec design – constructed out of volcanic rock into a pyramidal form. There is also an ecological reserve for native flora surrounding this ‘temple of arts’, reflecting Rivera’s deep reverence for his heritage and surrounding environment.

We also hope to include a variety of lunches and dinners to broaden the cultural experience of our tour, including the outstanding La Gruta restaurant set within a cave, complete with colourful seating and candle-lit corners. Furthermore, the San Angel Inn, an upmarket restaurant set in a former monastery, presents a decorative atmosphere with original architecture.

We will stay throughout at the Hotel Historico Central, a four-star establishment conveniently located in the heart of Mexico City. A few minutes’ walk away from the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the National Palace and Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, the hotel’s advantageous position makes for an ideal base from which to explore the city’s art and culture. 

This tour will be led by trained architect and experienced tour guide Robert Sakula, BA, BArch. Robert has worked for Clough Williams-Ellis at Portmeirion in North Wales, where he learned about the bizarre and the baroque. Following this he has lived and worked in Mexico City, Cairo and London and has run  an award-winning architectural practice for over forty years. An avid traveller, Robert has travelled extensively and has lectured on art and architecture at universities and conferences around Britain and across the world.

Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, seven breakfasts, four lunches, four dinners (one light on arrival) with water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.

Not Included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £495.