Regents Choose Historic Building for National Museum of the American Latino

The Smithsonian Institution will house its National Museum of the American Latino in the historic Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall. This decision, announced on Monday, departs from the original plan of constructing a new museum, a move that would have required congressional approval.

The Arts and Industries Building is a 258,000-square-foot Victorian structure made of redbrick, and it is located next to the Smithsonian headquarters. The Board of Regents voted to utilize the existing structure, ensuring that the museum, which was established by Congress in 2020, gains a permanent residence.