Smithsonian weighs housing Latino museum in historic Arts and Industries Building
On August 31, the board of regents for the Smithsonian Institution will convene to discuss the possibility of situating the National Museum of the American Latino within the historic Arts and Industries Building located on the National Mall. This decision could circumvent the need for congressional approval and avoid potential disputes with the Trump administration, as reported by Robin Pogrebin of The New York Times. The building, which was constructed by Adolf Cluss and Paul Schulze and opened its doors in 1881, is the second-oldest structure on the Mall. Although it closed in 2004 for repairs, it is currently accessible but will shut down again on September 7 for renovations. The Latino museum has encountered political hurdles, including budget cuts proposed by Trump in May 2023, prompting critics like Mike Gonzalez to label the initiative an "act of desperation."
Key facts
- Smithsonian board of regents meets on 31 August to discuss housing the National Museum of the American Latino in the Arts and Industries Building.
- Using the existing building would bypass congressional approval and avoid political battle with Trump administration.
- Arts and Industries Building designed by Adolf Cluss and Paul Schulze, opened in 1881.
- Building hosted President James A. Garfield's inaugural ball in 1881.
- Building closed to public in 2004, listed as endangered in 2006.
- Building currently open but closes on 7 September for renovations.
- In 2022, building was shortlisted for both Latino and women's history museums.
- Trump filed budget request in May 2026 to cancel Latino museum funding.
- Republicans criticize Smithsonian's move as a loophole.
- Women's history museum site bill struck down in House in May 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Adolf Cluss
- Paul Schulze
Institutions
- Smithsonian Institution
- National Museum of the American Latino
- Arts and Industries Building
- Smithsonian Castle
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Museum of American History
- National Air and Space Museum
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum
- US House of Representatives
- Washington Examiner
- The New York Times
Locations
- Washington, DC
- United States
- National Mall