October 13, 2022

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino has received a $1 million gift from Google.org to support the development of the new museum’s programs, exhibitions, and construction. The gift establishes Google as a founding donor of the National Museum of the American Latino. The technology company previously supported the museum’s Molina Family Latino Gallery and is a longstanding supporter of the Smithsonian Institution.

“We thank Google for their enduring support and commitment to helping us develop a museum that recognizes the accomplishments, history, and culture of Latino communities,” said Jorge Zamanillo, NMAL director. “Supporters like Google enable us to share the many stories of Latinas and Latinos whose contributions have shaped, and continue to mold, the history of the United States.” 

“As a Venezuelan American, I know first-hand the richness of the Latino culture, its vibrant history, and the many contributions of the community to the fabric of the United States,” said Hector Mujica, Head of Economic Opportunity at Google.org. “Google is proud to support the National Museum of the American Latino with this grant.”

The Molina Family Latino Gallery is a first iteration of what people will be able to see when the museum opens its doors. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, “¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States,” introduces visitors to key concepts, moments and biographies that illuminate U.S. Latinos’ historical and cultural legacies. The gallery is located inside the National Museum of American History and is open to the public seven days a week.

About the National Museum of the American Latino

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino advances the representation, understanding and appreciation of Latino history and culture in the United States. The museum collaborates with other museums to expand scholarly research, public programs, digital content, collections and more. The museum’s Molina Family Latino Gallery is the Smithsonian’s first gallery dedicated to the Latino experience. The legislation creating the National Museum of the American Latino at the Smithsonian passed Dec. 27, 2020. Connect with the museum at latino.si.edu, and follow @USLatinoMuseum on FacebookInstagram and Twitter

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