Salsa is not just a sound. It is one of the most influential musical traditions in the Americas, rooted in Afro-Cuban rhythms, Caribbean culture, and the creativity of communities in New York, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and beyond. In spring 2026, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino will open a major new exhibit titled “¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa.” This exhibition “explores how Afro-Cuban music evolved into a defining sound in the U.S.” placing the genre alongside jazz and rock and roll as a central part of American musical history. (latino.si.edu)
The museum describes the exhibit as tracing salsa’s development “from the streets of Havana to the dance floors of New York and beyond,” and it will feature nearly 300 objects, including instruments, performance outfits, album covers, and memorabilia that represent both legendary figures like Tito Puente and Celia Cruz and local artists whose influence on their communities is deep. (latino.si.edu)
The exhibit is bilingual to reflect the culture it represents and to invite audiences from many backgrounds to connect with salsa’s journey. It recognizes not only the famous artists but also the everyday musicians, dancers, and communities who shaped the music on neighborhood corners, in clubs, and at social gatherings for decades. (latino.si.edu)
Before the full exhibit opens, the Smithsonian is offering preview presentations that give the public insight into the themes and stories that will be featured. These sessions are free and open to the public, emphasizing the museum’s commitment to accessibility and shared cultural heritage. (latino.si.edu)
This moment is significant because it puts salsa’s rich history where millions of people can learn about it not just as music but as a cultural force that helped shape American identity. The Smithsonian frames salsa as a defining sound in the United States with roots that connect communities from Cuba to New York and beyond, showing how the genre is woven into the broader story of American life. (latino.si.edu)
Seeing salsa celebrated in such a major national institution is exciting because it honors the legendary figures whose music stood the test of time and recognizes the community creators, dancers, and local musicians whose contributions made the music what it is today. This is not just a museum exhibit. It is validation of a sound that comes from the people and belongs to the people
