Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino honors the dreams, challenges, and triumphs of U.S. Latinos, elevating our stories within the nation’s narrative. We create transformative experiences, foster a deeper understanding of American history and culture, and connect communities nationwide.

The National Museum of the American Latino was created in 2020 by an act of Congress as part of the Smithsonian Institution. The act also established the Smithsonian National Women’s History Museum. The Latino Museum is yet to be built, but the Smithsonian hired its founding director, Jorge Zamanillo, in 2022 and established its board of trustees in 2021. The Board consists of 19 citizens, the Smithsonian Secretary and Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, one member of the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents and two members of Congress. The board helps with fundraising and advises and assists the Regents on matters related to the museum’s development.