Bipartisan bill to establish Latino Smithsonian Museum

Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act to build a new museum on the National Mall that recognizes the accomplishments of Latinos. 

This follows the passage of bipartisan legislation that establishes a Latino history museum, which was signed into law in December 2020.

“Latinos have been at the heart of U.S. history for hundreds of years, shaping American culture, communities, and business,” said Senator Padilla. “As the first Latino elected to represent California in the United States Senate, I intimately understand the immense contributions and accomplishments Latinos have made to our nation — and the barriers we have had to overcome.”

“We are taking the first step in righting a historic wrong and casting light on overlooked and forgotten parts of American history,” said Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “I have long been a champion of adding a Latino History Museum as well as a Women’s History Museum to the National Mall and I am proud to stand with Congresspeople on both sides of the aisles to try and make this dream a reality. Honoring the contributions of Hispanics and Latinos should not be political – it is about our constituents, ancestors, and our great Nation’s history. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to sign onto these bills.”

After 18 months of a site selection process that evaluated over 25 sites, the Smithsonian Board of Regents recommended two sites — the Tidal Basin site for the National Museum of the American Latino. 

“There are countless exhibits paying respect to our troops throughout Smithsonian museums, but having a National Museum of the American Latino provides us an opportunity to celebrate our Latino service members and veterans,” said Danny Vargas, CEO and founder of the American Latino Veterans Association. “Latinos have been involved in every major war since the birth of this country. I applaud the Senate for understanding the need for this museum that will honor our men and women in uniform.”

“This museum represents a recognition of these contributions, and it will inspire our community to be even more invested and engaged. It will also serve as a recognition that Hispanics have been in the U.S. since 1492,” said Carlos F. Orta, President & CEO, the Latino Coalition. “We thank this bipartisan group of Senators for introducing this legislation and bringing the museum one step closer to the National Mall.”

“Preserving and celebrating the stories and culture of Latinos is essential. For too long, we have gone without a museum on the National Mall sharing our history,” said the Hispanic 100. “This legislation will allow for our stories to be told in the heart of our nation’s capital alongside other Smithsonian institutions. We are proud to support this bill and look forward to the inevitable opening [of] the National Museum of the American Latino.”