On 25 January 2019, one of the biggest disasters in Brazilian history occurred – the collapse of the Córrego do Feijão mine dam in the city of Brumadinho, in the state of Minas Gerais. The tragic event claimed the lives of 272 people and the wave of toxic silt destroyed the environment and infrastructure over a vast area. Six years after the tragedy, the Brumadinho Memorial opened in 2025 – a place that not only commemorates the victims, but also provides a space for reflection on the mistakes of the past and their consequences. This architectural work by Gustavo Penna Arquitetos Associados (GPAA) is an expression of memory and the need for change.
The Brumadinho disaster – causes and consequences
The Brumadinho disaster was the result of the collapse of a mine dam owned by Vale S.A.. The dam, made by piling up mining waste, had already been declared dangerous, but despite warnings, appropriate action was not taken. As a result of the dam collapse, just after midday on 25 January 2019, toxic waste flooded the surrounding area, destroying homes, crops and killing hundreds of people and animals. The impact of the tragedy was catastrophic not only in humanitarian terms, but also ecologically – the contamination of soil and water negatively affected the entire ecosystem of the region. The accident has become a symbol of corporate impunity in Brazil and a lack of responsibility for the safety of people and the environment.
An architecture of memory and reflection
The Brumadinho Memorial is a space full of symbolism and emotion. The main entrance to the complex, with its jagged and deformed form, symbolises the suddenness and brutality of the disaster. Made of concrete mixed with mining waste pigments, it emphasises the inextricable link between the site of the tragedy and its commemoration. At the centre of the hall is a crystal druze (a visible void in the rock), symbolising the ‘jewels’, as the victims of the disaster are called by their loved ones. Every year, at exactly 12:28 a.m. (the moment the dam collapsed), a beam of light penetrates the space, illuminating the crystals and reminding us of the lives lost.
Photo by Jomar Bragança
Memorial path at the Brumadinho Memorial
The journey through the memorial is a metaphorical path through memory, mourning and reflection. The main path leads to the site of the dam break, symbolising the irreversibility of the tragedy. The walls along the path are decorated with the names of all the victims, which appear gradually as the route is traversed, like records of history carved in stone. The centrepiece of the complex is an 11-metre-high sculpture in the form of a tilted square, representing the fallibility of human rationality and responsibility. The water flowing from it symbolises tears, memory and the process of purification.
Spaces of memory and testimony
An important element of Brumadinho Memorial is the spaces of memory and testimony. An exhibition created in collaboration with the families of the victims displays their photographs, personal objects and documentation of the tragedy. It also features the remains of the deceased, preserved with dignity and respect.
A view of a new reality and rebirth
Towards the end of the tour, visitors reach a vantage point from where they can see the changed landscape, a testament to disaster but also a symbol of hope. An integral part of the project is a forest of 272 yellow tabeu trees – each tree commemorates one life lost in the tragedy. These hardy trees have become a symbol of rebirth, alluding to the process of rebuilding both the environment and the local community. There is also a meditation space and an amphitheatre, which encourage reflection and educational activities.
Brumadinho Memorial – a space that does not let you forget
The Brumadinho Memorial is not only a place of remembrance, but also a space of reflection and caution. Its mission is both to honour the victims and to remind us of the responsibility and consequences of human decisions. In the words of architect Gustavo Penna: “It is a place where architecture meets memory. It takes pain and transforms it into resistance to forgetting”.
Thanks to the efforts of the victims’ families and the AVABRUM organisation, the memorial is managed by an independent non-profit foundation, which takes care of its maintenance and educational mission. This achievement is a symbol of the struggle for justice and remembrance, the echoes of which resound not only in Brazil but around the world.
About the authors
GPAA is an architecture and urban planning office with extensive experience in medium to highly complex projects. The team includes more than 30 professionals who work on institutional, cultural, urban, residential and commercial projects. For 50 years, the firm has combined creativity and high quality architecture with best management practices. Its conceptual approach is both consistent and innovative – taking into account the needs of clients and contemporary challenges. The GPAA sees architecture as a key element in the quality of life and the shaping of culture and identity.
Source: Gustavo Penna Arquitetos Associados (GPAA)
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