The Smithsonian‘s National Museum of the American Latino is opening its first exhibition and gallery at the National Museum of American History on 18 June.
The Molina Family Latino Gallery will provide a sneak peek at the new National Museum of the American Latino, offering exhibitions and programmes over the next 10 years leading up to the opening of the museum’s building.
The gallery’s first exhibition, ‘¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States’, will explore Latino history, as well as the Latinas and Latinos who have shaped the US.
It will feature contemporary figures including Toypurina, César Chávez, Roberto Clemente, Luisa Moreno, José Sarria and Celia Cruz.
“The Molina Family Latino Gallery is the first iteration of the National Museum of the American Latino,” said Jorge Zamanillo, director of the National Museum of the American Latino.
“It will take 10 to 12 years to open a museum building, but the gallery gives the public a preview of the museum’s potential.”
The Smithsonian’s first gallery dedicated to the Latino experience will feature historical artefacts, interactive elements, sensory experiences and a learning space.
Object cases organised into four themes line the gallery, and eight-foot-tall digital displays at the centre of the gallery feature touchscreens and accessibility keypads.
Highlights also include the Somos Theater and General Motors Learning Lounge, which will host presentations and hands-on activities.
Molina Family Latino Gallery
“This is a special year for the Molina Family Latino Gallery to open,” said Eduardo DÃaz, acting deputy director of the National Museum of the American Latino.
“It was 25 years ago that the Smithsonian founded the Latino Center to increase Latino representation across the Institution, which also helped pave the way for the Latino Museum.
“I am proud to have played a role in the gallery’s development and to help usher in the new Latino Museum.”
The legislation creating the National Museum of the American Latino at the Smithsonian passed on 27 December 2020. The search for a site in underway and will be announced by December 2022.
Images: The Smithsonian
