New York has thousands of things to see. But in 2026, there's one experience that's above all else: seeing the original works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in the heart of Manhattan. From March 21 to September 12, 2026, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) presents "Frida and Diego: The Last Dream," a landmark exhibition celebrating two of the most beloved icons of 20th-century Latin American art.
If you're Latin American, if you love art, if you're traveling to New York this year, or if you're just curious about what makes this exhibition so special — this article is for you. And in the end, we tell you how to combine it with a tour experience that will make it the perfect trip.
What is "Frida and Diego: The Last Dream"?
MoMA, the world's leading museum of modern art, has organized a unique exhibition dedicated to two giants of Mexican art: Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) and Diego Rivera (1886–1957). The exhibition is named after the opera "Frida and Diego's Last Dream", which will premiere at the Metropolitan Opera from May 14 to June 5, 2026.
What makes this exhibition unique is its immersive and theatrical approach. The opera's set designer, Jon Bausor, was invited by MoMA to create an art installation that wraps the works of Kahlo and Rivera in an atmosphere inspired by Mexican iconography, the Day of the Dead, and the artists' dream world. It's not an ordinary exhibition: it's an experience.
What works can you see in the MoMA exhibition?
The exhibition brings together key pieces from MoMA's permanent collection, including:
Works by Frida Kahlo
- Self-Portrait with Cut Hair (1940) — One of her most powerful works, where Kahlo appears dressed as a man after her divorce from Rivera. It symbolizes their liberation and their very complex identity.
- Fulang-Chang and I (1937) — A self-portrait with her beloved pet monkey, a symbol of the children Frida could never have.
- My Grandparents, My Parents, and I (1936) — A zinc-painted family tree, where Kahlo traces her Mexican and European roots.
Works by Diego Rivera
- Agrarian Leader Zapata (1931) — A monumental fresco of the Mexican revolutionary leader, originally painted for MoMA. Pure living history.
- Flower Festival: Fiesta de Santa Anita (1931) — A colorful encaustic painting that celebrates Mexican popular culture.
- More than a dozen additional works including photographic portraits of the artists by photographers Lola Álvarez Bravo and Leo Matiz.
Practical information: how to visit the exhibition
- 📍 Dónde: MoMA – The Museum of Modern Art, 11 West 53rd Street, Manhattan, Nueva York
- 🗓️ When: March 21 – September 12, 2026
- 🎟️ Tickets: The exhibition is included in general admission to MoMA (approximately $30 adults). It is recommended to buy in advance in moma.org.
- 🚇 How to get there: Metro lines E, M (53rd St) or B, D, F (47-50th Sts Rockefeller Center). A few blocks from Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue.
- 🕐 Hours: Every day from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm (Friday until 8:00 pm). Closed on Tuesdays.
Why is this exhibition different from all the others?
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are not simply painters. They are symbols of Latin American identity, resistance, love, pain and pride. Their lives were as dramatic and intense as their art: they married twice, had affairs, survived tragedies, traveled the world, and left an indelible mark on global culture.
What makes this exhibition different is that it is not limited to hanging pictures on a white wall. Jon Bausor's installation transforms MoMA's rooms into a living stage, where Mexican iconography—the Day of the Dead, vibrant colors, dreams—blend with original paintings to create a soul-moving experience.
In addition, the exhibition coincides with the world premiere of the opera "Frida and Diego's Last Dream" at the Metropolitan Opera, with music by Grammy-winning composer Gabriela Lena Frank and libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz. New York becomes the world capital of Mexican art during the spring and summer of 2026.
Frida and Diego's story with New York
This exhibition isn't just exciting — it's historically significant. MoMA has a special bond with both artists that goes back almost a century.
Diego Rivera was the first Latin American artist to have a solo exhibition at MoMA, in 1931 — the same year he painted several of the works on display today. New York fascinated him: it was the city of modern dynamism, of steel and cement, the perfect contrast with the indigenous Mexico that he loved to paint so much.
Frida, for her part, lived crucial moments of her life in New York. He arrived for the first time in 1931 accompanying Diego. The city dazzled her and at the same time crushed her with its coldness. Many of his letters from that time describe a city that "has no heart" but that he could not stop looking at. New York is tattooed in the story of Frida Kahlo.
Combine the exhibition with the best tours of New York
Seeing the MoMA exhibition is an incredible experience. But if you want to make the most of your visit to New York, you can combine it with a tour that shows you all that this city has to offer.
At Real's Tours NYC, we have been the #1 Spanish-language tour operator in New York since 2009. Our certified bilingual guides will take you on a journey to discover the most authentic neighborhoods, the most photogenic corners, and the most exciting stories of the Big Apple.
Our most popular tours to combine with your visit to MoMA:
- 🚌 Contrasts Tour — Tour the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. Discover the real, multicultural and vibrant New York. From $45.
- 🗽 New York in a Day — Manhattan's great icons in one day: Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and more. From $98.
- 🎵 Harlem and Gospel Mass — Experience the magic of Harlem and attend a gospel Mass that will give you goosebumps. From $65.
- 🌙 NYC Night Tour — New York at night is another city. Lights, energy and pure magic. From $48.
All our tours include pick-up from your hotel and certified guides in Spanish and English. With over 1,000 reviews with 4.9 ⭐ on Google, we are the #1 choice for the Latin American tourist in New York.
5 tips to make the most of your visit
- Buy your MoMA tickets in advance. This exhibition promises to be one of the most visited of the year. Weekends sell out fast.
- Arrive early. MoMA opens at 10:30 am. The first hours of the day are the quietest to enjoy the works without crowds.
- Visit the MoMA store. MoMA's souvenir shop has exclusive Frida and Diego-related merchandise that you won't find anywhere else.
- Combine it with a hike in Midtown. MoMA is 2 blocks from Rockefeller Center and a few blocks from Central Park. Seize the day.
- Book your tour in advance. Spots at Real's Tours NYC fill up fast, especially in high season. Book in realstoursnyc.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is admission to the Frida Kahlo exhibition at MoMA?
The exhibition is included in the general admission to MoMA. Approximate price is $30 for adults. Children under 16 years old are free. New York residents have special discounts.
How long is the Frida and Diego exhibition in New York?
The exhibition "Frida and Diego: The Last Dream" will be at MoMA from March 21 to September 12, 2026. You have all summer to visit.
Are there tours in Spanish to visit MoMA?
MoMA offers audio guides in Spanish. Additionally, Real's Tours NYC operates tours of Manhattan that you can combine with your visit to the museum. Contact us by WhatsApp at +1 (718) 362-0165.
What other museums can I visit in New York in 2026?
New York has more than 70 world-class museums. In addition to MoMA, in 2026 the Raphael exhibition at the Met (March 29 to June 28), the American Museum of Natural History, the Guggenheim, and the Whitney stand out. All are in Manhattan and are accessible by subway.
When is the best time to visit New York?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal: pleasant weather, fewer tourists and better prices. Summer is very busy but there are plenty of outdoor activities. In 2026, the Frida and Diego exhibition is available throughout spring and summer.
Conclusion: One More Reason to Come to New York in 2026
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are much more than painters. They are part of the Latin American soul. Seeing his original works at the MoMA in New York is an experience that stays with you forever.
And if you add to that the most incredible neighborhoods of the city with an expert guide in Spanish, you will have lived the trip of a lifetime.
At Real's Tours NYC we have been showing New York to the Spanish-speaking world for more than 15 years. We are your family in the Big Apple. 🗽❤️
