The National Museum of the American Latino, which has operated without a dedicated building for six years, will soon have a permanent home. In August, the Smithsonian's Board of Regents voted to house the museum in the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall, a 145-year-old landmark. This decision allows the museum to proceed without needing congressional approval for a new site, avoiding potential political disputes, particularly in light of past criticisms from former President Trump regarding the Smithsonian's funding.
Jorge Zamanillo, the museum's founding director, emphasized the importance of the museum, noting that it has been a project over three decades in the making, driven by bipartisan support and advocacy for better representation of Latinos in museums. The museum was officially established through legislation in December 2020 to enhance understanding of Latino culture and contributions to the United States.
Zamanillo explained that while the initial vision was to create a new museum, taking over the Arts and Industries Building offers both symbolic and practical advantages. The location is central on the National Mall, and the building can be expanded to accommodate the museum's needs.
He discussed the challenge of representing the diverse Latino diaspora, highlighting that Latinos are not a monolith and that the museum aims to reflect the varied experiences and cultural narratives within the community. Zamanillo stated that the museum's approach is grounded in scholarship and factual representation, focusing on impactful stories from Latino communities across the country.
One exhibit that excites him is about salsa music, which explores its Afro-Cuban roots and evolution in the United States, addressing themes such as immigration and resistance. Zamanillo hopes that visitors will find personal connections to the exhibits, regardless of their specific heritage.
Regarding the timeline for the museum's opening, Zamanillo noted that the process of building a museum typically takes over a decade. He expressed optimism about opening within the next ten years, as the museum already has a gallery and now a building.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, the museum is engaging with Latino communities across the U.S. through its Making History Tour, visiting various states and cities to gather input on what the community wants to see in the museum. Zamanillo mentioned plans for community days and town hall meetings to collect objects for future exhibits.