The Smithsonian Institution has decided to place its National Museum of the American Latino in a historic building on the National Mall. This decision comes as the Board of Regents voted to use an existing structure rather than construct a new one, which would have needed congressional approval.

The museum will reside in the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building. This building, a 145-year-old redbrick Victorian edifice, covers 258,000 square feet. It lies adjacent to the institution’s headquarters. The American Latino museum was created by Congress in 2020 and has been awaiting a permanent location since then.

The Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building was photographed by Matt McClain for The Washington Post in 2021.