The museum building was designed by José de Magalhães and inaugurated in 1897 as the first government secretary building in the new capital.
The collection includes the 'Mundo da Mineração' exhibit, which utilizes historical dioramas to depict the evolution of mining techniques.
The museum acts as a custodian for one of the most comprehensive mineralogical collections in Brazil, featuring rare specimens from the Espinhaço range.
Many of the exhibits were designed to be accessible, incorporating tactile models and audio-descriptive narration for visually impaired visitors.
The MM Gerdau – Museum of Mines and Metal is located in the historic Pink Palace (Palacete do Secretário de Interior) within Belo Horizonte's Praça da Liberdade circuit. The museum utilizes high-tech interactive displays to explain the geology of ores and the history of mining in the state of Minas Gerais. Visitors explore 18 permanent exhibition rooms across three floors that cover themes from mineral formation to the social history of mining communities. The institution is managed by a public-private partnership and focuses on educational outreach regarding metallurgy and natural resources. It features a notable collection of over 4,000 mineral samples from various geological sites. Many exhibits rely on voice-activated narrators and sensor-based installations to explain complex industrial processes. The building itself is an example of early 20th-century neoclassical architecture.
The central staircase and the view of the main hall looking up toward the decorative ceiling.
Engage with the interactive audio guides at the start of each room to trigger the automated narratives.
Visit the library space on the lower floors for quiet study regarding regional geological history.
Check the museum's temporary exhibition schedule before arriving, as they frequently rotate art installations that contrast with the technical exhibits.
Do not attempt to touch the mineral specimens, as many are fragile or protected by glass, even if the interactive displays encourage other types of interaction.
Closed on Mondays.
