The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL) has been in the works for five years since Congress approved its creation. However, progress on constructing a permanent home for the museum has been slow. As the Trump administration moves to cut programs that it believes “divide Americans based on race,” a bipartisan group of senators is pushing for a bill that would secure a spot for the NMAL on the National Mall.
The bill, co-sponsored by senators from both parties such as Ted Cruz, Chuck Schumer, and Alex Padilla, calls for a section of land on the National Mall to be transferred to the Smithsonian for the museum’s construction. This push for a Latino history museum comes at a time when the Trump administration is increasing deportations of Latino individuals, including US citizens and legal residents.
Erika Hirugami, co-founder of the UNDOC+ Collective, an organization supporting undocumented creatives, pointed out the irony of the NMAL being approved under the Trump administration, which has been criticized for its harsh immigration policies. The road to establishing the NMAL has been fraught with challenges, with Republican-led efforts to restrict funding hindering its progress.
The new legislation, known as the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act, aims to transfer a site next to the Washington Monument to the museum without issuing new government funding. The museum’s start-up costs are estimated to be between $600 to $800 million, with funding expected to come from a combination of Congress and private donations.
The push for the NMAL to have a presence on the National Mall has been met with resistance, with conservative groups accusing the museum of promoting a biased portrayal of history. Despite setbacks, cultural leaders and advocates continue to push for the museum to be located on the Mall, alongside other Smithsonian institutions.
In light of recent developments, the NMAL faces challenges in securing its place on the National Mall amid political tensions and funding constraints. However, the bipartisan support for the museum’s establishment reflects a growing recognition of the importance of Latino history and culture in the fabric of American society.
