A Pivot to the Arts and Industries Building
The Smithsonian Institution’s board of regents is meeting on 31 August to weigh a major shift in strategy. They are evaluating whether to house the National Museum of the American Latino inside the historic Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall. This location, situated between the Smithsonian Castle and the Hirshhorn Museum, would provide a home for the project without needing fresh congressional approval. It is a calculated move to avoid a political standoff with the current administration.
Constructed in 1881, the Arts and Industries Building is the second-oldest structure on the National Mall. It served as the site for president James A. Garfield’s inaugural ball and was the nation’s first national museum. Over the last century, major collections shifted to new buildings like the National Museum of American History. The structure gained National Historic Landmark status in 1971 but fell into disrepair by 2004. Restoration efforts have continued in fits and starts for two decades, often hampered by funding shortages. The building currently opens for sporadic events but remains slated for a 7 September closure to conduct further renovations.
Shifting Political Grounds
Plans for both the Latino museum and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum were signed into law during the first Trump term in 2020. Officials initially pursued the construction of new, purpose-built facilities for these institutions. That path hit a wall in May 2026. The House of Representatives blocked a bill intended to finalize the site for the women’s museum, largely due to internal conflicts over programming and executive power.
Political tension surrounding the Latino museum remains high. In 2023, the exhibition ¡Presente! drew criticism from some Republican lawmakers who argued the content overemphasized colonial history while ignoring other narratives. President Trump later filed a budget request to redirect funding away from a physical Latino museum in favor of a decentralized, roaming center. The Smithsonian’s decision to pursue the Arts and Industries Building suggests they are seeking a workaround to secure a permanent base while navigating these legislative hurdles.
Industry Implications and Future Outlook
Industry leaders are watching the regent meeting closely. The Smithsonian has not officially commented on the move, but critics are already vocal. Mike Gonzalez, writing for the Washington Examiner, described the attempt as an act of desperation by an institution facing intense scrutiny over its political direction. With several board terms set to expire soon, the timing of this proposal is likely intentional.
This development marks a departure from the initial vision of constructing iconic, standalone museums. If successful, the move would save the historic building from continued vacancy while fulfilling the mandate for a Latino museum. If it fails, the project remains homeless, leaving the Smithsonian with few options for moving forward in the current climate. The debate highlights the broader struggle of cultural institutions to maintain independence while operating within the confines of federal oversight and changing presidential administrations.