Washington—The Smithsonian has announced that the National Museum of the American Latino will relocate to the former Arts and Industries Building at 900 Jefferson Drive SW, placing the museum beside the iconic Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall. The move, confirmed on August 31, marks a major milestone for a project that began with President Trump’s signing of the establishing act in 2020.
From Legislation to Brick and Mortar
President Donald Trump signed the law creating a national museum dedicated to American Latino stories, fulfilling a long‑standing call for a comprehensive narrative of Latino contributions to the United States. After years of searching for a permanent site and navigating proposed funding cuts, museum officials opted to repurpose the historic Arts and Industries Building—originally opened in 1881—rather than construct a new facility. This decision accelerates the timeline and reduces costs, allowing the museum to focus on its core mission.
Strong Bipartisan Backing
Founding Director Jorge Zamanillo emphasized the broad, bipartisan support in Congress, noting that the museum’s funding plan is a 50‑50 split between federal appropriations and private donations. To date, more than $72 million in private funds have been raised, positioning the project to move forward with final design plans and architectural selection. Zamanillo said the museum’s budget is projected at around $1 billion, a figure that reflects both public investment and community generosity.
Celebrating Latino Heritage
The museum will tell a balanced, inclusive story of Latino families, activism, immigration, and cultural contributions. Zamanillo, the son of Cuban immigrants who fled communism in the 1960s, stressed that the museum will avoid compartmentalizing heritage by country of origin. “We want visitors to feel they are part of a unified U.S. Latino identity,” he said.
Current Programming and Community Engagement
While the permanent museum prepares for its grand opening, a smaller interactive exhibit called “¡Puro Ritmo!” is on display at the Molina Family Latino Gallery inside the National Museum of American History. The exhibit showcases the five‑note clave rhythm and its influence on music worldwide, even featuring a sample from George Michael’s hit “Faith.”
In addition, the museum has announced upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events, including a “Latino Heritage Festival: Quinceañera Traditions & Coming of Age in America” at Glen Echo Park on October 11 and a “Latino Veteran 250” program at the National Museum of American History on November 6.
Looking Ahead
Zamanillo described the project as being in the “home stretch,” comparing the timeline to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which took 13 years from inception to completion. He expressed optimism that the museum will soon be ready to welcome families, scholars, and visitors eager to explore the rich tapestry of Latino history in the United States.
The museum’s relocation to the heart of the National Mall underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the diverse stories that shape America, while the continued bipartisan backing reflects a shared belief in the importance of cultural heritage for all families.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
