National Museum of the American Latino To Showcase Salsa Music and
Celia Cruz’s Iconic Costumes in New Exhibition April 18
“¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa” Will Premiere in the Museum’s
Temporary Exhibition Space at the National Museum of American History
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino
Exhibition Opening: “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa” Date: Saturday, April 18 Location: Molina Family Latino Gallery, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History
Presented in English and Spanish, the multimedia exhibition explores the rhythm, movement, and shared heritage of salsa music in the United States.
Exhibition Overview
Spanning four thematic sections and featuring nearly 300 objects, “Puro Ritmo” traces salsa’s roots from the dance halls of Havana to the clubs of New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and beyond. The exhibition situates salsa within major moments in U.S. history, including Caribbean migration, the evolution of jazz, and the influence of Afro-Cuban rhythms on rock ’n’ roll, disco, and house music.
“‘Puro Ritmo’ tells a vital chapter of the American experience that has been shaped by movement, migration and global exchange,” said Jorge Zamanillo, director of the National Museum of the American Latino. “Salsa is not simply a Latin genre; it’s become a great American musical tradition.”
Celia Cruz: Queen of Salsa
A centerpiece of the exhibition is the presentation of five ensembles and five pairs of shoes worn by Celia Cruz, celebrated worldwide as the Queen of Salsa. Gifted by the Estate of Celia Cruz, the five dresses and a pair of shoes are now part of the Latino Museum’s permanent collection. The outfits will rotate throughout the exhibition’s two-and-a-half-year run, offering visitors multiple opportunities to experience Cruz’s vibrant stage presence.
Featured items include:
- Dresses dating to 1970
- A cape designed by Irma Peñalver
- A 2002 ensemble by Willy Mena
- Distinctive performance shoes, including pairs with dramatic cantilever heels
Other Highlights
The exhibition also features iconic figures such as Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri, alongside influential artists including Arsenio Rodríguez, Graciela, Ray Barretto, and Willie Colón. It explores the industry-shaping impact of Fania Records and its cofounders, Jerry Masucci and Johnny Pacheco.
Through the museum’s collection and loans from Smithsonian museums, individuals, and institutions, “Puro Ritmo” includes objects connected to Puerto Rican music promoter Héctor Maisonave and producer Harvey Averne, both of whom played key roles in expanding salsa’s reach and recognition.
Museum’s Mission
As the National Museum of the American Latino continues to grow, it is deepening its collecting efforts to build a permanent collection that reflects the breadth of U.S. Latino history and culture. In the years ahead, the museum will expand its acquisitions to preserve the stories, objects, and artistic legacies that define the American Latino experience.
About the Museum
Established by Congress in 2020, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino honors the dreams, challenges, and triumphs of U.S. Latinos and elevates their stories within the nation’s narrative. The museum creates transformative experiences, fosters a deeper understanding of American history and culture, and connects communities nationwide.
Visit the museum’s exhibitions at the Molina Family Latino Gallery in the National Museum of American History or at latino.si.edu. Follow @USLatinoMuseum on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
