Smithsonian considers using existing building for Latino museum

Smithsonian Institution National Museum of the American Latino Arts and Industries Building National Mall cultural heritage

The Smithsonian Institution is considering housing the National Museum of the American Latino in the Arts and Industries Building, a facility the organization already owns on the National Mall. This move is viewed by the institution as a pragmatic way to optimize resources and accelerate the project by avoiding the need for congressional approval required for sites owned by the National Park Service.

The proposal has drawn criticism from conservative groups and commentators. Opponents argue that the cultural significance of the museum warrants a purpose-built facility rather than a repurposed building. Some critics, including Mike Gonzalez of the Heritage Foundation, have characterized the decision as an attempt to bypass legislative oversight.

Previously, a site near the Tidal Basin had been considered, but a House of Representatives bill to advance those plans was defeated in May. The Smithsonian's Board of Regents may meet as early as August 31 to discuss the matter.

Entities

Arts and Industries Building · Heritage Foundation · National Mall · National Museum of the American Latino · Smithsonian Institution · U.S. Congress

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The Smithsonian Board of Regents may meet on August 31 to discuss the decision. www.artnews.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] A previous plan to locate the museum near the Tidal Basin was rejected by the House of Representatives. www.artnews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Using an existing building would avoid the need for new congressional legislation. www.artnews.com · www.washingtonexaminer.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Smithsonian may use the Arts and Industries Building to house the National Museum of the American Latino. streetartparis.fr · www.artnews.com · www.washingtonexaminer.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Critics argue that a dedicated museum deserves a purpose-built space rather than a repurposed building. streetartparis.fr · www.artnews.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The House of Representatives voted down a bill in May that would have moved plans for a different museum site forward. www.artnews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Critics argue that a dedicated museum deserves a purpose-built space rather than a repurposed existing building. streetartparis.fr · www.artnews.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Using the Arts and Industries Building would allow the Smithsonian to avoid seeking congressional approval for new land. www.artnews.com · www.washingtonexaminer.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Smithsonian is considering placing the National Museum of the American Latino in the Arts and Industries Building. streetartparis.fr · www.artnews.com · www.washingtonexaminer.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] A board meeting to discuss the matter may take place on August 31. www.artnews.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Mike Gonzalez of the Heritage Foundation suggested the siting is an attempt to bypass congressional approval. www.artnews.com

Sources

Latino Museum: Projet Smithsonian qui Divise [streetartparis.fr]

21 days ago

The Smithsonian May Put its Latino Museum in a Building it Already Owns, Riling Conservatives [www.artnews.com]

21 days ago

Desperate Smithsonian eyes loophole for Latino museum [www.washingtonexaminer.com]

22 days ago

It ‘should never be built’: Smithsonian scheme could make Latino museum permanent * WorldNetDaily * by Virginia Grace McKinnon, The Daily Signal [www.wnd.com]

21 days ago