After years of debate and searching, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino has officially found its permanent home. In a major announcement, the Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents confirmed that the museum will be housed in the historic Arts and Industries Building right on the National Mall.
This decision is a monumental step for the project, which Congress formally authorized in December 2020. Here is everything you need to know about the museum's future home and what it means for your next trip to Washington, D.C.
🏛️ A Historic Venue Gets a New Life
The Arts and Industries Building is a true architectural jewel. First opened in 1881 as the United States National Museum, it is the second-oldest building in the entire Smithsonian complex, sitting just next to the iconic original Castle. Designed by architects Adolf Cluss and Paul Schulze, the striking red-brick landmark features colorful brick and geometric tilework.
If you have visited D.C. in the last two decades, you might remember that structural problems forced the building to close in 2004. A recent $55 million restoration strengthened the roof and exterior, saving it from further deterioration. Now, it will undergo a massive interior modernization to transform its open, high-ceilinged spaces into a 21st-century museum.
💡 Why This Location Matters
Choosing a building already owned by the Smithsonian was a strategic move. It avoids a lengthy congressional debate over building on unused land on the National Mall. As Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat noted, this decision secures a prominent, permanent place for Latino history and culture on the National Mall.
🗓️ When Will It Open?
While the site selection is official, converting a 19th-century structure into a modern museum will require major engineering and investment. Jorge Zamanillo, the museum’s director, estimates that it will take 10 to 12 years to fully open the new building.
In the meantime, you don't have to wait a decade to experience the exhibits! You can visit the museum's physical preview space, the Molina Family Latino Gallery, which opened in 2022 inside the nearby National Museum of American History.
