The Smithsonian Institution is considering designating the Arts and Industries Building as the permanent home for the National Museum of the American Latino, a move that would circumvent the need for congressional approval required for constructing a new building on National Park Service land. The proposal is scheduled for discussion at a Smithsonian board meeting on August 31.

The Arts and Industries Building, located on the National Mall between the Smithsonian Castle and the Hirshhorn Museum, was originally constructed in 1881 and reopened to the public this summer after undergoing renovations since 2004. The building was previously eliminated as a potential site for the Latino Museum when the Smithsonian selected two other locations near the National Mall for new museum construction: one near the Tidal Basin, proposed for the National Museum of American Women’s History, and another opposite the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Both of these sites require congressional authorization for construction due to their status as National Park Service property.

The Latino Museum’s leadership had expressed concerns about the prior sites, citing issues such as the impact of the water table near the Tidal Basin and the fact that the locations were not directly on the National Mall. The shift toward repurposing an existing Smithsonian building is viewed by some as an effort to expedite the museum’s establishment and avoid legislative obstacles amid mounting political pressure.

The museum has faced criticism, particularly from conservative commentators and some Republican lawmakers, who argue that its presentation of Latino history focuses disproportionately on grievances and systemic oppression. A temporary exhibition titled “¡Presente!” drew scrutiny for what opponents described as a negative and ideologically charged narrative. In 2023, a group of Latino Republican members of Congress led efforts to eliminate the museum’s federal funding. President Donald Trump’s fiscal 2026 budget proposal requested the elimination of funding for the standalone Latino Museum, suggesting instead a decentralized Smithsonian Latino Center that would host exhibitions across existing Smithsonian institutions.

Originally, the Latino Museum aimed to build a new facility with a distinct architectural design at an estimated cost of approximately $800 million, half of which was expected from federal funds. To date, the museum has raised around $72 million in private donations. Frustrated by the slow progress toward securing a site and advancing construction, museum officials decided to pursue a designated location to enhance fundraising efforts, even if that meant occupying an existing building.

The Smithsonian’s move to reconsider the Arts and Industries Building follows broader scrutiny of the institution during the second Trump administration. Several Smithsonian museums have been the target of criticism from the White House and congressional members. The National Museum of American History’s director, Anthea M. Hartig, was questioned in Congress over claims that the museum promotes a “radical activist ideology” and presents an unbalanced view of American history. Separately, President Trump has criticized the National Museum of African American History and Culture for its emphasis on slavery and systemic injustice.

The Smithsonian has confirmed the upcoming board meeting but declined further comment. Jorge Zamanillo, director of the Latino Museum, also did not respond to requests for comment. As the board considers whether to reassign the Arts and Industries Building to the National Museum of the American Latino, the institution faces the challenge of navigating political opposition while advancing its mission to represent Latino heritage on the National Mall.