Want to learn about Latino and Hispanic culture? Want a fun family activity that can get a bilingual conversation started in your Latino home? We have your guide to Latino & Hispanic museums across the U.S. to help your family celebrate your Latino or Hispanic culture and history throughout the year. Get your kids excited and interested in Latinx culture in your state, when you are traveling, or on vacation. How about making a fun road trip about it? Here's a bonus FREE PDF of this list.
Your Guide To Latino and Hispanic Museums in America
Explore Latino & Hispanic Museums in the Northeast
1. El Museo de Barrio - New York, NY
Located at the north end of Fifth Avenue's Museum Mile, El Museo del Barrio is New York City's only museum dedicated exclusively to Latin American and Latino art.
2. Hispanic Society of America - New York, NY
The Hispanic Society of America Complex reflects a very important change in attitudes and understanding of Hispanic culture and Hispanic-American history in the United States.
3. International Salsa Museum - Bronx, NY
The International Salsa Museum (ISM) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation seeking to raise funds in the form of contributions/grants for the acquisition and development of a state of the art museum to be located in the Bronx – “El Condado De La Salsa.”
Explore Latino & Hispanic Museums in the Midwest
4. National Museum of Mexican Art - Chicago, IL
The National Museum of Mexican Art is a museum which features Mexican, Latino, and Chicano art and culture. It showcases 3,000 years of creativity from both sides of the border, connecting museum visitors to the diversity of Mexican culture.
5. Casa de Rosado Galeria and Cultural Center - Lansing, Michigan
Casa de Rosado Galeria and Cultural Center opened in 2017. They serve as a platform for Michigan’s Latinx visual and performance artists by hosting exhibits, mercados, fiestas, workshops and children's activities throughout the year. They also coordinate one of the largest community led celebrations of Día de Los Muertos in Michigan.
6. National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture - Chicago, IL
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture is a museum in Chicago dedicated to interpreting the arts and culture of the Puerto Rican people and of the Puerto Ricans in Chicago.
7. El Museo Latino - South Omaha, NE
El Museo Latino is a museum featuring Latino and Hispanic art and history. In conjunction to the exhibits, El Museo Latino develops educational programs that include lectures, slide presentations, films, art classes, workshops, demonstrations, art history classes, gallery talks, guided visits, and dance classes. Some of the programs are age specific for K-12, some for post secondary students, and others are for an adult audience. In addition, El Museo Latino is a resource and a center for Latino studies in the Midwest.
Discover Latino & Hispanic Museums in the South
8. Fondo del Sol Visual Arts Center - Washington DC
Founded in 1973, is a non-profit visual arts center in Washington D.C. Fondo del Sol Visual Arts Center is the second oldest Latino multicultural museum in the United States.9. Art Museum of the Americas - Washington DC
Art Museum of the Americas is the oldest museum of modern and contemporary Latin American and Caribbean art in the United States. It is part of the Organization of American States (OAS), an international public organization whose aim is to promote democracy, peace, justice, and solidarity among its 35 member countries.
10. Smithsonian National Museum of The American Latino - Washington, DC
"We celebrate Latino culture, spirit, and achievement in America. By facilitating the development of exhibitions, research, collections, and educational programs at the Smithsonian and its affiliated organizations, the Center turns a powerful spotlight on Latino heritage and culture in our country."11. Mexican Cultural Institute - Washington, DC
The Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C. is committed to enhancing the relationship between Mexico and the United States by sharing Mexico’s cultural richness with the local community. Since 1990, it has offered diverse cultural programs and become a thriving artistic center in Washington, partnering with institutions like the Smithsonian, the Kennedy Center, and the National Gallery of Art to showcase Mexico's heritage.
12. Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center - Miami, FL.
Not necessarily a museum, the Miami Hispanic Cultural Arts Center's mission is to preserve the Hispanic culture in Miami-Dade.
MHCAC offers a variety of artistic disciplines: Theater, Art Exhibits, Films, Concerts, Book Presentations, Poetry Readings, and regular instruction in Ballet and Music with an exceptional national and international staff of teachers. MHCAC is dedicated to presenting quality, affordable performances and instruction.
13. Perez Art Museum - Miami, FL
"We are committed to international modern and contemporary art, and our home at the crossroads of the Americas also uniquely positions us to be the best at presenting art from the U.S. Latino experience, the African diaspora, Latin America, and the Caribbean. We showcase the diversity of 20th- and 21st-century artists, and our programs seek to educate and ensure that all people can participate in a conversation that shares art at its center."
14. Creation Art Center - Miami, FL
Creation Art Center (CAC), founded in 1983, is a not for profit cultural organization with 501(c)(3) status. It was created by dedicated professionals who support and enhance the progress of Hispanic artists in Miami-Dade County. More than 35 years of experience have earned the CAC trust and recognition, placing the organization in a unique position to offer the community a wide-range of activities. Those include art exhibits, literature, theatre, concerts, and film events.
15. Dallas Latino Cultural Center - Dallas, TX
A Multidisciplinary arts center and regional catalyst for the preservation, development, and promotion of Latino and Hispanic arts and culture.
16. Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center - Austin, TX
17. Mexic-Arte Museum - Austin, TX
Mexic-Arte is a fine arts museum in Austin, Texas. The Mission of the organization is to enrich and educate the community through the presentation and promotion of traditional and contemporary Mexicano Latino, and Latino art and culture.
18. Instituto de Cultura Hispánica - Corpus Christi, TX
The purpose of the organization is to promote a better understanding of the diverse cultures represented in our community through programs which include art exhibits, folkloric displays, English and Spanish recitals, cultural celebrations and fund-raising activities which foster an atmosphere of good will and friendship.
19. Centro de Artes - San Antonio, TX
Centro de Artes is a two-story exhibit space located in the heart of downtown San Antonio’s Zona Cultural. The space is dedicated to telling the story of the Latino experience with a focus on South Texas through San Antonio and regional art, history and culture, and showcasing Latino artists and Latino-themed artworks.
20. Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center - San Antonio, TX
Established in 1980, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is a nonprofit organization situated in the heart of San Antonio’s Westside. It stands as one of the largest community-based, multidisciplinary organizations in the United States. The center's mission is to nurture, advocate for, and safeguard traditional and contemporary Chicano, Latino, and Native American arts and culture through its diverse range of programs.
Latino & Hispanic Museums in the West
21. Museo de las Americas - Denver, CO
Museo de Las Americas is a fine museum in Denver, Colorado. It is dedicated to educating the community through collecting, preserving, interpreting and exhibiting the diverse arts and cultures of the Americas from ancient to contemporary, through innovative exhibitions and programs.
22. The Harwood Museum of Art - Taos, NM
The Harwood Museum Art is located in Taos, New Mexico. Founded in 1923 by the Harwood Museum it is the second oldest art museum in New Mexico.
23. The Millicent Rogers Museum - Taos, NM
The Millicent Rogers Museum was established in 1956 by her son Paul Peralta-Ramos as a memorial to her memory and to showcase the arts and cultures of the southwest that had so fascinated Millicent. Millicent’s son Paul Peralta-Ramos dedicated much of his life to building the extraordinary collection of more than 7000 objects documenting the arts and cultures of the southwest.
24. National Hispanic Cultural Center - Albuquerque, NM
The National Hispanic Cultural Center is dedicated to preserving, promoting and advancing Hispanic culture arts and humanities.
25. El Rancho de las Golondrinas - Santa Fe, NM
The mission of El Rancho de las Golondrinas is to inspire learning and preserve the legacy of the land through encounters with the traditions and culture of New Mexico’s Hispano past.
26. Phoenix Art Museum - Phoenix, AZ
The Latin American art collection features more than 1,000 works from across North, Central and South America. From Spanish Colonial to contemporary works by living artists, the collection explores artistic traditions that are especially meaningful to our shared experience in a border region
27. Casa Dolores - Santa Barbara, CA
The center is devoted to the collection, preservation, exhibition, and study of the popular arts throughout Mexico.
28. Museum of Latin American Art - Long Beach, CA
The Museum of Latin American Art educates the public through the collection, preservation, presentation and interpretation of modern and contemporary Latin American art in order to promote cross-cultural dialogue.
29. Latino Art Museum - Pomona, CA
The Latino Art Museum is a nonprofit organization created to promote the works of talented Latin American contemporary artists living in the United States and instill a sense of appreciation for Latino art in children and adults of all origins.
30. The Cheech - Riverside Art Museum - Riverside, CA
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, known as The Cheech, is a museum in Riverside, California. It is part of the larger Riverside Art Museum. The center is focused on the exhibition and study of Chicano art from across the United States.
31. La Plaza de La Cultura y Arte - Los Angeles, CA
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is a vibrant community hub in Los Angeles, celebrating Latinx culture through exhibitions, music, dance, and culinary arts. Anchoring the region's identity, it preserves and shares the stories of Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and Latinx communities. Collaborating with diverse partners, LA Plaza offers accessible programs, housed in historic downtown buildings. Its main campus includes a museum and outdoor performance space, while LA Plaza Cocina offers culinary classes and tastings. Established in 2011, it operates as a non-profit organization and is a Smithsonian affiliate museum.
32. Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum - Rancho Dominguez, CA
"The mission of the Friends of Rancho San Pedro is to preserve and increase community awareness of early California history as it relates to the Dominguez family, homestead adobe and the Rancho San Pedro, the first Spanish land grant in California. This is accomplished through educational programs and the operation of the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum."
33. Museo Eduardo Carrillo - Santa Cruz, CA
Museo Eduardo Carrillo was founded to extend the artist’s work and compassionate legacy into the world. Through exhibitions, web presence and publications viewers will become acquainted with the richness of the artist’s vision.
34. Centro Cultural de La Raza - San Diego, CA
The Centro Cultural de la Raza is dedicated to promoting and preserving Chicano, Mexicano, Latino, and Indigenous art and culture. Established in 1970 as a Chicano Community Cultural Center in San Diego, it serves as an alternative space fostering artistic development and cultural exchange in the San Diego/Tijuana region. The Centro offers classes and hosts a diverse range of events, including exhibits, musical performances, dance, theater, film screenings, and more. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Centro and engage in its vibrant programs.
35. Barona Cultural Center and Museum - San Diego, CA
The Barona Cultural Center, San Diego County's inaugural museum situated on an Indian reservation, is committed to interpreting the rich history of the Kumeyaay/Diegueño People. It provides an unparalleled educational experience for visitors of every age. For countless generations, the Kumeyaay/Diegueño People have inhabited this land, known today as San Diego. Delve into the authentic history of the region, exploring both ancient traditions and contemporary perspectives, offering a comprehensive view of the cultural heritage of the area.
36. Bonita Museum & Cultural Center - San Diego, CA
The Bonita Museum in South Bay San Diego features two galleries exhibiting history, art, and culture. The first displays the region's past, including Rancho de la Nacion and the Sweetwater Valley, while the second hosts changing exhibits, from local contemporary art to cultural showcases. Operated by the Bonita Historical Society, the museum aims to preserve and share the area's rich heritage, with free entry for all.
37. Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center - San Diego, CA
The Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center welcomes all to experience a space of open communication, diverse relationships, and community pride. Through their exhibitions, they aim to educate individuals about Chicana/o, Latina/o, and Indigenous culture and history. Additionally, offering a range of engaging educational classes and activities for the public, spanning arts, literature, science, and history.
38. Heritage of the Americas Museum - San Diego, CA
Located on the campus of Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego, California, the Heritage of the Americas Museum offers visitors a captivating journey through time. Divided into five wings—Natural History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Art, and Education—this cultural and educational facility showcases the prehistoric and historic art, culture, and natural history of the Americas. In addition to the museum's indoor exhibits, the Tropical Garden Patio, the Desert Garden Patio, and the surrounding landscaping provide an immersive experience.
39. Misión San Luis Rey -San Diego, CA
Mission San Luis Rey, the largest of all the 21 California missions, welcomes visitors daily, upholding the Franciscan tradition of heritage and hospitality. Alongside its interpretive Museum, the mission offers a Retreat Center for spiritual renewal, multi-function meeting spaces, a Cemetery, a Mission Gift Shop, and the Historic Church. Founded in 1798 by Padre Fermín Francisco de Lasuén, it reflects a rich history spanning five periods of occupation: Luiseño Indian, Spanish Mission, Mexican Secularization, American Military, and Twentieth Century Restoration.
40. Warner Carrillo Ranch House - San Diego, CA
"Built in 1857, the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House served as the Butterfield Stage Stop and was California’s first regular overland stage connection with St. Louis. With its multilayered history, the adobe ranch house tells the story of the emigrant trail, the overland stage, and the prominent ranching history of the area."
41. San Diego History Center - San Diego, CA
Nestled in the heart of Balboa Park, the San Diego History Center offers a captivating array of exhibitions chronicling the diverse history of San Diego. Complementing these exhibitions is our Library, housing over 45 million documents and 2.5 million images capturing the essence of San Diego's past. Beyond exhibitions, the History Center hosts a variety of public programs, including lectures, workshops, and educational sessions, enriching the community's understanding of its heritage.
42. The Mexican Museum - San Francisco, CA
Founded in 1975 by Chicano artist Peter Rodriguez in San Francisco's Mission District, The Mexican Museum relocated to Fort Mason Center in 1982. It's the country's oldest museum dedicated to Mexican, Mexican American, Latin American, and Chicano art. As a member-supported nonprofit, it receives funding from various sources, including the California Cultural and Historical Endowment and the City and County of San Francisco. Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, it can exhibit Smithsonian objects and artworks at its new location in the Yerba Buena Gardens Arts District.
Additional Latino & Hispanic Culture Resources
As the Latino and Hispanic population continues to grow so will the desire to preserve our culture and celebrate our history. Look for cultural organizations and groups in your neighborhood or city to join.
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Want to be added to our Latino and Hispanic Museums in the United States list?
If you have a permanent Latino or Hispanic cultural organization or institution and want to be added to our list please email us at contact@milegasi.com.
Thanks for stopping by :)
Theresa Larson
octubre 13, 2024
The Mexican Museum in San Francisco is no longer located at Fort Mason. It’s at 706 Mission St, awaiting its permanent home in Yerba Buena Gardens.