Hidden underneath the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall is a treasure waiting to be discovered — the Smithsonian Latino Center, which has been celebrating Latino culture, spirit, and achievement in America for 10 years, presents a terrific exhibit, Mexican Treasures of the Smithsonian, on display through November 11 at the S. Dillon Ripley Center’s International Gallery.

The exhibit pulls together objects from different museums around the city to explore the shared histories and cultural exchanges between the United States and Mexico. Mexican Treasures recognizes the Smithsonian’s long-standing interest in collecting Mexican objects, as well as gives a peak into what the research scientists, historians, anthropologists, artists and linguists are doing in the Mayan regions of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Mexican Treasures is a very diverse show, with everything from stamps and animal specimens to a letter by Frida Kahlo and a costume worn by pop star Selena on display. The breadth of the objects in the Institution’s collection is impressive, and the exhibit gives a well-rounded look at the history of our neighbors to the south.