The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore opens its first permanent exhibition of Latin American art, titled 'Latin American Art/Arte Latinoamericano,' on May 17. Curators Ellen Hoobler and Patricia Lagarde designed the galleries with accessibility in mind, featuring bilingual children's books, comfortable benches, and sensory elements like incense and musical instruments. The exhibition spans 200 objects representing 40 cultures from North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean, informed by a 12-member community advisory group of local Latino immigrants. The opening day includes a free festival with tours, performances, artist talks, and children's activities, plus a special appearance by Paco the Llama, an ancient effigy vessel turned mascot.
This exhibition matters because it fills a long-standing gap in the Walters' collection, which historically under-represented Latin American art due to founder Henry Walters' purchasing preferences. By centering community input and prioritizing intergenerational accessibility, the museum sets a model for inclusive curation that reflects the diverse heritage of its local audience. The permanent installation signals a broader institutional commitment to diversifying art historical narratives and making non-European art a core part of the museum's identity.