The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino finally has a permanent home in Washington, D.C., after years of planning and searching for a location.
The Smithsonian Board of Regents selected the historic Arts and Industries Building as the museum’s future home on August 31.
Instead of constructing a new building on a National Park Service site, the Smithsonian will transform one of its own historic buildings into the museum.
There’s still a wait before visitors can explore it, however, as the Smithsonian has not announced an opening date.
Where will the National Museum of the American Latino be located?
The museum will occupy the Arts and Industries Building at 900 Jefferson Drive SW, on the National Mall next to the Smithsonian Castle.
The decision means the Smithsonian can use a building it already owns rather than pursue a new construction project on National Park Service land.
The Arts and Industries Building itself has an impressive history. Opened in 1881, it was the Smithsonian’s first U.S. National Museum and played an important role in the development of the institution’s museum system.
Now, the historic building will take on a new role as the permanent home of the Smithsonian’s Latino museum.
When will the museum open?
There is currently no announced opening date for the permanent National Museum of the American Latino.
The Smithsonian will first need to renovate and adapt the Arts and Industries Building for its new purpose.
For now, visitors can get a preview of the museum at the Molina Family Latino Gallery inside the National Museum of American History.
The gallery opened in 2022 and showcases exhibitions exploring Latino history, culture and contributions to the United States.
What will you see at the new Latino museum?
The Smithsonian says the museum will explore the history, art, culture and contributions of Latinos in the United States, presenting those stories as part of the larger American experience.
The permanent exhibitions have not yet been announced, so visitors will have to wait to see exactly how the Arts and Industries Building will be transformed.
Based on the existing Latino gallery, visitors can expect a mix of historical objects, personal stories, multimedia experiences and exhibitions exploring the diverse experiences of Latino communities.
Once complete, it will give the National Mall a dedicated Smithsonian museum focused on the Latino experience in America — inside one of the Smithsonian’s most historic buildings.
