Museum of Latin American Art

The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the only American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accredited museum in the United States dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art. It recently announced that it is planning a $65 million expansion thanks to a $10 million grant to support education, culture, and career growth opportunities within modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino Art. The overall project will add a second story to the main building and expand the facility's footprint and services. The changes will also enlarge MOLAA's education space, create a new theater, a new storage and research center for MOLAA's nearly 1,600-piece art collection, create new garden spaces, and incorporate water and energy efficiency into the design, among others.

MOLAA’s mission is to expand knowledge and appreciation of modern and contemporary Latin American art through its collection, groundbreaking exhibitions, stimulating educational programs, and engaging cultural events. MOLAA’s vision is to be the leading museum for Latin American and Latino art in the United States and a movement builder internationally. This vision transcends specific goals to ensure renowned curatorial experiences and world class exhibitions, robust touring and travel programs, and a dynamic national and international board of directors.

Founded by Dr. Robert Gumbiner in 1996, since its inception, MOLAA has doubled its size and added a 15,000-sq. ft. sculpture garden which also serves as a community gathering space. In recognition of its outstanding educational programming and artistic quality, MOLAA was designated as one of only 140 Smithsonian Affiliate museums nationwide. In 2017, MOLAA successfully recruited Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas, PhD as its President & CEO to lead the museum’s expanded vision and future.

The museum’s founder established a vision for the organization: to educate the American public about modern and contemporary Latin American fine art through the establishment of a significant permanent collection and the presentation of dynamic exhibitions and related programs. In 2014, MOLAA’s board of directors approved an expanded scope of the museum’s mission to also include Latino art. MOLAA attracted approximately 65,000 visitors annually to its exhibitions, festivals, educational, and other programs.

MOLAA’s commitment to its community and to its educational partners is evidenced by its robust roster of opportunities to welcome and engage educators, students, and art lovers of all ages. Through its Dia de los Muertos celebration, plein air and family art workshops, All Rhythms Latinx Music programming, Evenings for Educator trainings, festivals, and bilingual summer art and culture camp, MOLAA touches the lives of thousands of people every year. Expanding its commitment to visual media, MOLAA established Cine con Sentido, designed to raise awareness issues of accessibility and inclusion for those with sensory disabilities. Partnerships with Help Me Help You food pantry, LA Library Foundation, Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE), and many others, MOLAA expands its scope and reach while serving and enhancing its community.

MOLAA’s location is in its second iteration as a cultural institution. Between 1913 and 1918, the site was the home of Balboa Amusement Producing Company and later a silent film studio before becoming the Hippodrome roller-skating rink in the 1920s after the film studio departed, and finally as MOLAA’s exhibition galleries, administrative offices, and store.

MOLAA is governed by a 13-member board of directors and operates with a staff of 45 employees. MOLAA is in strong financial shape with substantial reserves. Its $4.2 million 2024 budget includes $1.4 million derived from its $24 million endowment, a contributed revenue goal of $1.7 million raised from a variety of sources, and $1.1 million in earned revenues from admissions, café, and other revenues.