The Smithsonian is evaluating four potential sites for two new museums in Washington, DC – the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum.
For the rest of this year, these sites will be evaluated by the Smithsonian and architectural firm Ayers Saint Gross. The museums were authorised by Congress in December 2020.
Since then, the Smithsonian has reviewed more than 25 locations. The legislation requires that the institution select the two final sites by the end of 2022.
The four sites include the Arts and Industries Building, a Smithsonian building on the National Mall, and the ‘Northwest Capitol site’, an undeveloped plot of land located north of the Capitol reflecting pool.
Another location is the ‘South Monument site’, an undeveloped plot across the National Mall from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. And finally, the ‘Tidal Basin site’, more undeveloped land overseen by the National Park Service.
“Selection of a site is one of the most consequential decisions for a museum,” said Lonnie Bunch, Smithsonian secretary. “It is important that the steps we take ensure a transparent, inclusive and thorough process.”
The sites were selected using the following criteria – location, existing site conditions, costs, transportation, and acquisition potential.
The Smithsonian will select “the best physical locations for 21st-century museums that will engage visitors with new collections, imaginative exhibitions and immersive experiences, while providing digital content for a national audience”, added Steve Case, chair of the Board of Regents.
New museums coming to Washington, DC
Earlier this month, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino opened its first exhibition and gallery at the National Museum of American History.
The Molina Family Latino Gallery is previewing the new museum through exhibitions and programmes over the next 10 years ahead of the opening.
“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,” said Jorge Zamanillo, director of the National Museum of the American Latino.
Images: Smithsonian
