Smithsonian Board to Vote on Housing Latino Museum in Historic Arts & Industries Building
The Smithsonian Board is set to vote on August 31 regarding the National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL) being housed in the historic Arts & Industries Building, a decision that would circumvent the need for congressional approval for a new structure on the National Mall. NMAL, established in 2020, has operated a gallery within the National Museum of American History since 2022. The Arts & Industries Building, constructed in 1881 and the second-oldest Smithsonian building, underwent renovations and is expected to reopen in summer 2026. The gallery will be closed from August 2025 to spring 2026 for the exhibition "¡Puro Ritmo!"
Key facts
- Smithsonian board votes August 31 on housing NMAL in Arts & Industries Building
- Move bypasses congressional approval for new building on National Mall
- NMAL founded in 2020, operating gallery in National Museum of American History since 2022
- Trump administration has threatened to defund NMAL
- FY2026 budget proposal omitted federal funding for NMAL
- Arts & Industries Building built in 1881, second-oldest Smithsonian structure
- Building closed in 2004 for renovation, reopened summer 2026
- NMAL gallery closed from August 2025 to spring 2026 for '¡Puro Ritmo!' exhibition
Entities
Institutions
- Smithsonian Institution
- National Museum of the American Latino
- Arts & Industries Building
- National Museum of American History
- National Park Service
- Smithsonian Latino Center
- National Museum of African Art
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Gardens
- National Museum of Natural History
- Washington Examiner
- New York Times
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- United States
- National Mall