National Museum of the American Latino

About the Museum 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 provides resources and collaborates with other museums to expand scholarly research, public programs, digital content, collections and more. The museum operates its Molina Family Latino Gallery, the Smithsonian’s first gallery dedicated to the Latino experience, at the National Museum of American History. Background Legislation passed Dec. 27, 2020, that established two new museums at the Smithsonian: the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. Although there is no building yet for the American Latino Museum, the new director Jorge Zamanillo and his staff are working on virtual exhibitions, programs, fundraising and opening a preview exhibition on June 18, 2022 in the museum’s Molina Family Latino Gallery located in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Zamanillo, former executive director and CEO of HistoryMiami Museum, was named the founding director of the National Museum of the American Latino. He began work at the Smithsonian in May 2022. When the museum was established by Congress in late 2020, Eduardo Díaz served as its acting director. The museum’s 19-member board of trustees was established in summer 2021. The board held its first meeting virtually in October 2021. It advises and assists the Smithsonian’s Board of Regents on matters related to the development of the museum.