Mexic-Arte welcomes leaders from Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino

Washington, D.C.’s National Museum of the American Latino, Director Jorge Zamanillo and Deputy Director Eduardo Díaz joined Sylvia Orozco, Mexic-Arte Museum’s Executive Director, in a tour of the museum’s current exhibitions, programs, and projects. Orozco introduced the pair to Mexic-Arte’s storied founding, culture, and history to mark their first visit to the museum.

“We are honored to host Mr. Zamanillo and Mr. Díaz, their visit to Mexic-Arte shows their sincere intentions in working with us, sharing ideas, programs and exhibits,” said Orozco. “The Smithsonian is one of the premier museums in the world, to have them as a resource is priceless.”

The National Museum of the American Latino advances the representation, understanding and appreciation of Latino history and culture in the United States. The museum provides financial resources and collaborates with other museums to expand scholarly research, public programs, digital content, collections and more. The museum’s Molina Family Latino Gallery is the Smithsonian’s  first gallery dedicated to the Latino experience. In December, 2020, legislation passed calling for the Smithsonian to establish the American Latino Museum.

“We are very impressed with the success and accomplishments Mexic-Arte has experienced and are proud to work with them in the years to come,” stated Zamanillo. “We will both be sharing similar undertakings in the months and years to come and will be able to learn from one another — benefiting our patrons and providing a world class experience is what we both seek.”

During the tour and the meeting between the two organizations, Mexic-Arte’s board of directors was able to share where the museum is today with exhibits, collections and expansion efforts and how it can benefit from a relationship with the National Museum of the American Latino. Both committed to share successes and participate in future meetings and collaborations.