Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month With the Smithsonian

The Smithsonian invites the public to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) through a series of performances, workshops, panels and festivals across its museums and with its partners. All programs are free unless otherwise indicated.

Festivals, New Exhibitions and Other Events

Saturday, Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; National Portrait Gallery’s Kogod Courtyard

The “Fotos y Recuerdos Festival,” held in collaboration with children’s book publisher Lil’ Libros, is an all-ages event where visitors can learn about Latino trailblazers through vibrant portraits from the National Portrait Gallery collection and the Lil’ Libros book series “The Life of / La vida de.” Attendees can enjoy art, dancing, museum tours, story times, book signings and more. The Washington Ballet will lead a story time and a salsa and bomba workshop. 

Saturday, Sept. 28, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.; National Portrait Gallery’s McEvoy Auditorium

The National Portrait Gallery will host a conversation with Puerto Rican artist Miguel Luciano, whose “Porto Rican Cotton Picker” and “Freedom Rider Vest” are on view on the museum’s third floor, and civil rights activist Sylvia Méndez, who was instrumental in desegregating schools in California. The works represent Méndez’s mother, Felicitas Méndez, who successfully sued the state of California to desegregate schools in the landmark case Mendez v. Westminster (1947). The case brought an end to school segregation in California and provided the eventual legal basis to end racial segregation nationally. The conversation will be moderated by curator Taína Caragol.

Friday, Oct. 18, 11:30 a.m.; National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery and the Archives of American Art will open “Felix Gonzalez-Torres: Always to Return,” an exhibition focused on the artist’s deep engagement with portraiture and the construction of identity, as well as how history is told and inherited. The exhibition runs until July 6, 2025.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 10:15 a.m.–11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.; National Museum of Natural History’s Baird Auditorium

In an extension of Hispanic Heritage Month, 123 Andrés, Washington, D.C.’s Grammy-winning music duo, and the National Museum of Natural History will host an exciting cultural exploration of Latin America through an introduction of language, music and dance. 123 Andrés will perform bilingual songs for young audiences, who are encouraged to sing and dance along. Tickets for both sessions are available to purchase on Smithsonian Associates’ website.

Family Fun

“Hecho en México (Made in Mexico)”

Saturday, Sept. 14, and Sunday, Sept. 15, 3:30–4:30 p.m.; National Museum of the American Indian

“Corn Craze Family Day”

Saturday, Sept. 14, 12–5 p.m.; National Museum of the American Indian in New York City

“Trivia Night: Con Mucho Mucho Amor”

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 5–6:45 p.m.; National Portrait Gallery’s Kogod Courtyard

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SI-305A-2024