National Museum of the American Latino to Be Housed in Historic Smithsonian Building – WTOP News
The board’s decision lets the museum move ahead without congressional approval for a new site, while fundraising for the retrofit remains a hurdle, officials said.
- On Monday, the Smithsonian Institution designated the Arts and Industries Building as the permanent site for the National Museum of the American Latino, allowing the project to bypass congressional approval for a new site.
- The Smithsonian Board of Regents chose the Smithsonian-owned site to avoid building on National Park Service land, which would require approval from Congress, where President Donald Trump's Republican Party holds a majority.
- Retrofitting the Arts and Industries Building remains a significant hurdle for the project, expected to cost $1 billion; the museum opened a temporary space at the National Museum of American History in 2022.
- Trump's executive budget this year previously stripped funding for the museum, favoring a decentralized Smithsonian Latino Center that would present exhibitions across existing venues instead of a single dedicated site.
- Historians and civil rights advocates warn the Trump administration's repeated attacks on the Smithsonian risk undermining the acknowledgment of critical phases of American history, despite congressional authorization in 2020.
21 Articles
21 Articles
The Latino American National Museum will be based in the Smithsonian Arts Building in Washington DC, an achievement after decades of effort.The project, slowed down by Trump's lack of funds and policies, will celebrate the history and legacy of Latinos in the U.S. in a historic space.
Historic Smithsonian building eyed for National Museum of the American Latino
The Smithsonian Institution's historic Arts and Industries Building is being eyed as the future home of the planned National Museum of the American Latino. (Photo courtesy Smithsonian Institution)By Neal Augenstein The Smithsonian Institution has decided to put the planned National Museum of the American Latino into an existing, historic building, rather than constructing a new one. The Smithsonian Board of Regents on Monday designated the Arts …
Built in 1881 and closed in 2004 over structural problems, a Smithsonian building restored for $55 million has finally been chosen for a permanent new life
The Smithsonian Board of Regents has officially selected the Arts and Industries Building as the site for the National Museum of the American Latino, concluding a prolonged discussion regarding its permanent home on the National Mall. Once renovated and modernized, this historic structure, which dates back to 1881, will eliminate the need for congressional approval for a new venue. Notably, the museum's first preview space already opened in 2022.
After decades of community struggle and legislative debates, the Smithsonian Board of Regents voted to locate the expected museum in the second oldest structure of the Mall.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
