Celebrating the Latino Experience

Molina Family Latino Gallery

Molina Family Latino Gallery

Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History
Washington, DC

We collaborated with the Smithsonian Latino Center to create an exhibition space within the National Museum of American History that recognizes Latinos’ achievements and contributions to American culture. Supporting both artifact displays and immersive digital experiences, the Gallery connects contemporary themes to historical content to provide a rich interpretive journey.

An enticing entrance draws visitors through a conspicuous threshold, distinguishing the Latino Gallery from other galleries within the large museum. Complementing the main exhibition, the Gallery features a flexible, multi-use education area for hands-on learning. In keeping with the Gallery’s inclusive message, we carefully designed it to be universally accessible for diverse audiences.

The establishment of the Molina Family Latino Gallery is an important milestone for the Smithsonian and the nation
A graphic showing how sounds moves through a museum space.

Mapping the Way to Universal Design

Reinforcing the exhibition’s celebration of diversity, we leveraged sensory mapping and universal design principles to meet the needs of visitors with differing mobility, sensory, and cognitive abilities. One example is the placement of speakers to create focused sound experiences buffered by quiet spaces.

A 3D model of a museum space.

A Preview of What’s to Come

The gallery is the Smithsonian’s first space on the National Mall dedicated to the Latino experience. It is in anticipation of a new National Museum of the American Latino, which has been authorized by Congress.

¡Presente!

We are working closely with the designer of the Gallery’s inaugural exhibition, ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States, to develop an engaging experience that explores the historical and cultural legacy of Latinos in America.

Engaging with Education

The education  area provides a space for families and school groups to participate in  hands-on activities. Its walls feature a modular system that incorporates  seating and storage to support a variety of programs.

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