Tate Modern presents major exhibition on the life and legacy of Frida Kahlo

What to expect from Frida: The Making of an Icon

The exhibition traces Kahlo's artistic evolution through a vivid portfolio of her many selves – the intellectual, the modern artist, the political activist and cultural icon. Alongside Kahlo's own work, the show features more than 200 artworks, objects and archival pieces by contemporaries and later artists influenced by her aesthetic, identity and legacy.

Rather than focusing solely on Kahlo's paintings, the exhibition explores how she evolved from an artist who spent much of her lifetime in the shadow of her husband, Diego Rivera, into one of the world's most recognisable cultural figures. Through works spanning five generations and more than 80 artists, visitors are invited to consider why Kahlo continues to resonate with audiences around the globe.

Curators describe Kahlo as more than a painter, presenting her instead as a cultural phenomenon. The Fridamania gallery explores exactly that, tracing her influence across fashion, film, publishing, design and popular culture. From dolls and books to clothing and home décor, the display demonstrates the extraordinary reach of Kahlo's legacy and how her image continues to inspire people around the world.

Frida: The Making of an Icon – exhibition highlights  

Visitors will explore a selection of Kahlo’s most revered self-portraits including one of her earliest works, Self-Portrait with Velvet Dress (1926). Another highlight is Self-Portrait with Loose Hair (1938), noted for its exploration of identity and heritage. The painting reflects Kahlo’s embrace of her Mexican roots and her lived experience as a disabled woman, shaped by childhood illness and the devastating bus accident that left her with lifelong mobility issues. 

Among the highlights are photographs and home movie footage that offer a rare glimpse of Kahlo beyond the canvas. Seeing her laugh, pose and interact with those around her reveals a vibrant and charismatic personality, helping visitors connect with the woman behind the icon. 

Alongside these works, visitors will encounter items from Kahlo’s personal wardrobe such as Tehuana dresses, statement jewellery and accessories that became integral to her carefully constructed public image. 

Works by artists such as Kiki Smith, Judy Chicago and Ana Mendieta will be shown alongside Kahlo’s, highlighting how her radical approach to self-representation continues to resonate across generations. Meanwhile, a key section revisits her first solo exhibition at the Julien Levy Gallery in New York in 1938 – a pivotal moment in her career that led to the French national collection acquiring her mixed media self-portrait The Frame (1938).

Key things to see at the Frida Kahlo exhibition in London

As the curators explain, Kahlo "never wanted to be one-dimensional" – and neither is this exhibition. These are some of the highlights worth looking out for during your visit.

• Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird: Perhaps one of Kahlo's most recognisable works, this striking self-portrait has been reproduced around the world and remains one of the defining images associated with the artist.
• The post-accident sketch: A raw and deeply personal sketch created shortly after the tram accident that changed Kahlo's life, offering insight into how she channelled physical and emotional pain into her art..
• Nickolas Muray's portrait photographs: Look out for Muray's colourful photographs of Kahlo, including a striking image featuring her pet eagle, which reveal a more intimate side to her personality.
• Rare home movie footage: A fascinating glimpse of Kahlo beyond the canvas. Seeing her laugh, move and interact with those around her brings the artist vividly to life.
• Frida Kahlo's wedding photograph: A simple black-and-white portrait of Kahlo and Rivera shortly after their marriage. Modest in appearance, it offers a fascinating glimpse into one of art history's most famous relationships.
• The Neo-Mexicanisms gallery: Don't miss the dramatic dress adorned with flaming eyes, one of the exhibition's most eye-catching contemporary pieces.
• Fridamania: The exhibition's final gallery explores how Kahlo became a global cultural phenomenon through fashion, film, design and popular culture.

Top tips for visiting the Frida Kahlo exhibition in London

• Know where you're going: Head to Level 3 of the Natalie Bell Building to find the exhibition entrance.
• Travel light: There are bag checks on entry and the exhibition can get busy. The lighter you travel the better, but if this isn't possible, make use of the lockers available to rent on Level 0 of the Blavatnik Building.
• Take your time: Allow at least 60–90 minutes to explore the galleries at a comfortable pace. The plaques alongside the artworks offer fascinating insight, so you'll want time to pause, reflect and learn.
• Pick up a copy of TATE ETC.: The Summer 2026 edition focuses on Frida Kahlo and includes additional features and insights that help bring the exhibition's themes to life. At £9.50 per issue, it also makes a great souvenir.
• Don't skip the gift shop: Leave time to browse the exhibition shop, which stocks books, prints, stationery and Frida-inspired gifts linked to the exhibition. We particularly loved the silver charms inspired by Frida's own jewellery, while the prints make a lovely addition to a wall in need of some artistic love.

More Frida Kahlo things to do in London

Fridamania is taking over London this summer, with exhibitions, installations, dining experiences and public art projects celebrating the legacy of Frida Kahlo across the capital. Here are some of the best Frida Kahlo-inspired things to do in London.

• Beyond the Boundaries, Bankside: Explore a series of public murals inspired by Frida Kahlo across Tate Modern and Bankside - the perffect photo op for fans. 
• Santiago Lastra x Tate dining experience: Tuck into a Mexican menu inspired by the celebrated artist, where colour, flavour and storytelling collide.
• ¡Frida Icónica! comes to Carnaby Street: Discover this free public art installation celebrating Mexican heritage alongside an exciting programme of events and experiences, as well as special offers, in the area.
• Frida Kahlo Sip and Paint class at Brush & Bubbles: Get creative at a this Frida Kahlo painting class, building a canvas step-by-step, at this spot in Covent Garden.

Why you’ll love Frida: The Making of an Icon at Tate Modern 

Frida Kahlo is recognised as a cultural powerhouse, acclaimed for her groundbreaking self-portrayal. Her work continues to inspire artists and sparks conversations around race, gender, sexuality, disability and identity in contemporary art. 

More than a traditional retrospective, the exhibition explores how Kahlo evolved from artist to icon, revealing the many ways her image and influence continue to shape contemporary culture.

How to book tickets  

Tickets for Frida: The Making of an Icon can be booked directly via Tate Modern. Visitors can choose from timed entry slots including relaxed sessions held every third Tuesday of the month. Booking is available through to the exhibition’s closing date in January 2027. 

Frida: The Making of an Icon | Tate Modern. 

For more cultural inspiration, explore our weekend guide and month-by-month round-ups covering new exhibitions, food and drink inspiration and unmissable theatre.  

How to get to Tate Modern: 

• 🚇 Underground: The nearest Tube stations are Southwark (Jubilee line), Blackfriars (District and Circle lines) and St Paul’s Cathedral (Central line). 
• 🚄 Train: Blackfriars, Cannon Street, London Bridge and Waterloo are all within walking distance. 
• 🚲 Bike: Santander Cycle docking stations can be found on New Globe Walk, Summer Street and Southwark Street. 
• 🛥️ Boat: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers stops directly outside the gallery at Bankside Pier.