The Smithsonian Institution will establish the National Museum of the American Latino within a historic 145-year-old building on the National Mall. This decision follows Monday’s vote by the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents. They opted to utilize the existing space instead of embarking on constructing a new facility, which would necessitate congressional approval.
The chosen site is the Arts and Industries Building, a 258,000-square-foot Victorian edifice. This structure lies adjacent to the Smithsonian’s headquarters and offers a prominent location for the museum. Since its creation by Congress in 2020, the American Latino Museum has awaited a permanent location. This move will provide a dedicated venue to showcase and celebrate Latino culture and history.
The decision to repurpose an existing building allows for a quicker realization of the museum’s goals by utilizing the architectural and historical character of an established site. This approach not only saves time and resources but also integrates the new museum into the existing cultural landscape of the National Mall.
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