The Smithsonian Institution has selected the historic Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall as the permanent home for the National Museum of the American Latino. Approved by the Board of Regents on Monday, the decision avoids the need for new congressional construction.
The Smithsonian Board of Regents voted to designate the Arts and Industries Building for the museum, which was initially authorized by Congress in 2020.
Inside the Historic Arts and Industries Building Choice
The chosen site is a 145-year-old redbrick Victorian structure situated between the Smithsonian Castle and the Hirshhorn Museum. Spanning 258,000 square feet, the building sits at 900 Jefferson St. SW. Since 2022, the National Museum of the American Latino has operated out of a temporary exhibition space located within the National Museum of American History.
In 2022, the Smithsonian narrowed its nationwide survey for the Latino museum and the American Women’s History Museum down to four potential locations near the National Mall on land managed by the National Park Service. The Arts and Industries Building was included in that shortlist.
Bypassing Congressional Approval Hurdles
Choosing an already owned federal asset alters the legislative path for the project. Constructing a brand-new facility on National Park Service land would necessitate direct congressional approval and additional legislation. Because the Smithsonian already owns the Arts and Industries Building, the institution can establish the museum there without seeking further legislative clearance.
Political Context and Recent Reports
Earlier this summer, the Trump administration published a report titled Saving America’s Story,
which raised sharp objections to exhibitions at the National Museum of American History.
“has moved the museum’s mission away from straightforward historical education and scholarship toward an extreme political activism that seeks to transform our country.”
Trump administration report, Saving America’s Story via WTOP
The federal report argued that current curation erases our heritage
through what it characterized as ideological capture.
Specifically, the document pointed to the National Museum of American History flagship installation, ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States,
as an example of programming that departed from traditional historical scholarship.
Temporary Closures Impact the National Mall
Dillon Ripley Center, were closed Thursday due to mechanical issues. Officials have not yet announced a reopening timeline for the affected facilities.
Keep reading