Historic Smithsonian Building Chosen as Permanent Home for National Museum of the American Latino

The Smithsonian has chosen one of the oldest buildings on the National Mall as the permanent home of the National Museum of the American Latino, ending years of debate over where the institution should be built.

The Arts and Industries Building, first opened in 1881 as the United States National Museum, is the second-oldest building in the Smithsonian complex. Structural problems forced it to close completely in 2004, and the building deteriorated for years. A $55 million restoration later strengthened its roof and exterior, allowing temporary exhibitions and special events to return.

The Smithsonian Board of Regents announced the decision in an official statement on Aug. 31. The board said converting the existing structure completes a multi-year site review authorized by Congress in December 2020. Because the Smithsonian already owns the building, the choice also avoids the need for new legislation approving another location.

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Today the Smithsonian Board of Regents chose to house the National Museum of the American Latino in a prominent location on the National Mall. The Arts and Industries Building, a true jewel, will shine like never before as the new, permanent home for this great American project.

The Washington Post reported that other sites under consideration included open areas near the Capitol reflecting pool and undeveloped land controlled by the National Park Service. The decision follows political resistance to the museum project. Reuters and The New York Times reported opposition from congressional Republicans, while Trump administration budget proposals sought to remove dedicated construction funding and support exhibitions spread across existing Smithsonian museums instead.

The museum opened its first physical preview space, the Molina Family Latino Gallery, inside the National Museum of American History in 2022. The gallery was designed to host temporary exhibitions for up to 10 years while the permanent museum was planned. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat welcomed the board’s vote, calling the Arts and Industries Building “a true jewel” and “a great victory for the Latino community, which until now has lacked a ship to take our story to port.”

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It has been a personal privilege to be part of turning this idea into a reality. This is a great victory for the Latino community, which until now has lacked a ship to take our story to port.