But where will they be located? That's what the Smithsonian is trying to figure out.
Two new federal museums—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum—are now a part of the Smithsonian Institution. Congress approved the two new museums just before Christmas 2020 in a year-end spending bill, giving the Smithsonian Board of Regents two years to select where the museums will be housed.
While the decision has yet to be made official, the Smithsonian is looking at 24 prospective locations, including the FBI headquarters on Pennsylvania Ave. ('Cause it's an option, apparently?)
"Latino history is American history," said actor John Leguizamo, a trustee of the American Latino Museum. "It would be this Mecca where we can bring our children and grandchildren … If you’re not on the Mall, you can feel like a second-class citizen."
In regards to the women's museum, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. said, "When I walk around the [National] Mall, they have museums for everything – but not women. And it is hard to empower women if we don’t even recognize them."
There are four potential sites for both museums, which the law passed by Congress in 2020 cites:
- The South 14 Monument site, near the foot of the Washington Monument.
- The Northwest Capitol site bordered by Third Street, Constitution Avenue, First Street, and Pennsylvania Avenue.
- The Arts and Industries Building at 900 Jefferson Drive.
- The Agriculture Department facility bordered by 12th and 14th streets, Jefferson Drive and Independence Avenue.
However, despite the potential locations above, the law's language allows the Smithsonian Board of Regents to locate the two new museums where "appropriate." So, really, it's all up in the air at this point!
What are your thoughts on the two new Smithsonian museums? Where do you think they should be located in D.C.? Sound off in the comments below.