The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino officially has a permanent home on the National Mall to honor the stories, contributions, and impact of Latinos in the United States.
Today marks a major milestone in a dream and effort of decades in the making. Designating the Smithsonian’s Arts & Industries Building as the home of the National Museum of the American Latino places the U.S. Latino story at the heart of the National Mall and the American story. We could not be more excited to build on the rich legacy of this historic building and transform it into a next generation museum that celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Latinos in the United States.
Jorge Zamanillo, Founding Director
National Museum of the American Latino
The Future of Latino History
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino is building a permanent home to honor the stories, contributions, and impact of Latinos in the United States.
Your support helps bring this vision to life—expanding exhibitions, reaching communities nationwide, and ensuring these stories are preserved for generations to come.
Two visitors browse vinyl records at an interactive exhibit in the Molina Family Latino Gallery. Colorful graphics and displays about Latin music from the 1960s fill the background.
The Museum Across America
The Making History Tour brings the National Museum of the American Latino directly to communities across the country. Through exhibitions, programs, and partnerships, we are sharing Latino stories where people live, learn, and gather.
Join us at an upcoming stop and experience the museum in motion.
National Museum of the American Latino
Experience ¡Puro Ritmo!
Discover the rhythm, history, and global influence of salsa in this dynamic Smithsonian exhibition. ¡Puro Ritmo! traces salsa’s evolution from its Afro-Caribbean roots to its rise as a defining sound in American music.
Featuring iconic artists like Celia Cruz and Tito Puente, the exhibition brings together music, movement, and culture in an immersive experience.
Illustration by Carlos Aponte for the National Museum of the American Latino.
Be Part of the Story
Latino history is American history—and it continues to be written every day.
Through #MakeHistoryTogether, people across the country are sharing their stories, celebrating their heritage, and supporting the creation of this museum.
A Full-Fledged Museum
While we work toward building a permanent museum in Washington, D.C., we are actively sharing Latino history through exhibitions, digital initiatives, and national programs.
Visit us at the Molina Family Latino Gallery at the National Museum of American History and explore our work across the country.
National Museum of the American Latino
