The Augusto Casagrande Museum in Criciúma is one of those places where the past feels almost tangible. Housed in a historic mansion built in the early 20th century, the building itself is a piece of history. Back then, Criciúma was transforming from a quiet settlement into a key player in southern Brazil’s coal mining industry. The architecture reflects that era—high ceilings, large windows, and wooden beams give the space an airy feel, while the sturdy doors and decorative moldings hint at the wealth of the families who once lived here, many of them tied to the coal trade.
The museum is named after Augusto Casagrande, an Italian immigrant who became one of Criciúma’s most influential figures. He wasn’t just a businessman; he helped shape the city’s infrastructure, funding schools, hospitals, and roads. The museum preserves his personal belongings, documents, and photographs, offering a glimpse into how the region developed. Visitors can see old mining tools, household items from the early 1900s, and maps that trace the growth of the city. It’s a way to understand how Criciúma became what it is today—not just through industry, but through the people who built it.
But the museum’s collection goes beyond coal mining. It also tells the story of the land before the mines, when Indigenous peoples like the Kaingang and Guarani lived here, followed by Portuguese settlers. Artifacts from these earlier periods—pottery, tools, and other objects uncovered in local excavations—are on display, reminding visitors that Criciúma’s history stretches back much further than its industrial roots. These pieces connect the city to a deeper past, one that predates the smoke of factories and the clatter of machinery.
What makes the Augusto Casagrande Museum special is its role in the community. It’s not just a place to look at old things; it’s a living space where history is shared and discussed. School groups often visit, learning about their city through real objects rather than textbooks. Temporary exhibitions cover everything from local crafts to modern environmental projects, making the museum a hub for conversation between generations. Older residents sometimes come to share their memories, while younger visitors discover new layers of their hometown’s story.
The mansion is surrounded by a small garden, a quiet spot to sit after exploring the exhibits. On weekends, local musicians occasionally play here, adding to the relaxed atmosphere. The garden isn’t grand, but it gives the museum a welcoming feel, blending into the everyday life of the city. Criciúma isn’t a tourist hotspot, and the museum doesn’t try to be one. Its purpose is simpler: to preserve the memory of those who shaped the city and to show that even small places have big stories to tell.
Visiting the museum offers a different perspective on Criciúma—not just as an industrial center, but as a city with a rich cultural heritage. There’s no grandiosity here, just authenticity. Many of the exhibits aren’t locked behind glass; some can even be touched, creating a sense of connection. The museum doesn’t tell visitors how to feel about the past; it invites them to think for themselves. For those curious about Brazil beyond Rio or São Paulo, this is a place that reveals another side of the country.
Criciúma might not be on most travel itineraries, but that’s part of its charm. The Augusto Casagrande Museum isn’t just a landmark; it’s a piece of the city’s identity. It reminds everyone who walks through its doors that history isn’t just made in capitals—it’s also written in small towns, where every object and every building has a story. If you find yourself in this part of Brazil, it’s worth stopping by, even for just an hour. You’ll leave with a better sense of how this corner of the country has lived, and continues to live, its own unique history.
