Smithsonian Weighs Arts and Industries Building for Latino Museum
Smithsonian regents may place the National Museum of the American Latino in the historic Arts and Industries Building, potentially bypassing congressional approval.
The Smithsonian Institution is accelerating plans to establish the National Museum of the American Latino, with its board of regents set to consider using the historic Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall as the site. The move could circumvent the need for congressional approval, as well as presidential input.
The Arts and Industries Building, a landmark structure on the National Mall, has been largely unused for years. Its renovation would provide a central location for the museum, which has been in planning stages for decades.
By choosing an existing Smithsonian building, the institution may avoid the lengthy legislative process typically required for new museums. This approach could expedite the museum's opening, though it may also raise questions about the scope and funding of such a project.
The regents' discussion signals a renewed commitment to the museum, which has faced delays and political challenges. The decision, if approved, would mark a significant step for Latino representation in the Smithsonian's collection of museums.
