Memorial do ET

If you've ever dreamed of touching the mysteries of space, the UFO Memorial theme museum in the city of Varginha will be a true discovery for you. Located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, this site is entirely dedicated to the famous 1996 "Varginha Incident," which many ufologists consider one of the most significant events in the history of alien sightings.

ET Memorial. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The memorial building is situated on a hilltop, offering a scenic view of the surrounding area. The museum is a modern space housing unique evidence from those years: eyewitness reports, photographs, maps of alleged encounter sites, and a detailed chronology of events. Both the exterior and interior of the building are decorated with whimsical alien sculptures and spacecraft models.

The ET Memorial is not just a museum in the classic sense, but a vibrant cultural center that has turned a local legend into a national treasure. Visitors can immerse themselves in an atmosphere of mystery and learn how an ordinary Brazilian city became the "UFO capital."

To plan your visit to the UFO Memorial, it is helpful to have the current contact details on hand. The attraction is conveniently located and open to tourists interested in the region's ufological history.

At the ET Memorial, visitors can enjoy a rich program of immersion into the world of ufology. Here, you can examine detailed maps showing locations where unidentified objects were allegedly seen and look at reconstructions of encounter scenes with aliens. Sculptures of "alien guests" are placed throughout, having become a favorite spot for themed photo shoots for tourists of all ages.

Of particular interest is the local planetarium, which periodically screens educational 3D presentations about the Solar System—it's great entertainment that children especially enjoy (it is recommended to check the session schedule in advance). The museum grounds around the building are also perfect for a stroll, offering a pleasant view of the city skyline.

Don't forget to stop by the souvenir shop, which offers a wide selection of themed merchandise: from tiny "ET" figurines and magnets to original stickers. This visit is a great addition to exploring other UFO-style sites in the city, such as the famous water tower shaped like a flying saucer.

The UFO Memorial is located in the Vila Paiva district at Rua Maria Paiva Pinto, 105. If you are planning a trip by car from São Paulo, the drive via the BR-381 highway will take about 5–6 hours. The distance from Rio de Janeiro is approximately 400 km, making the city accessible for a long weekend getaway.

Within the city, the easiest way to reach the site is by taxi or ride-sharing apps—this will save your energy for the climb up the hill. You can also use city buses that stop in the Vila Paiva area (GPS coordinates: -21.5395055, -45.4369268).

For travelers with their own vehicles, free parking is available on the museum grounds. In the future, there are plans to build a cable car connecting the city center with the memorial, making access to the attraction even more convenient and scenic.

The history of the memorial is inextricably linked to the events of January 20, 1996. According to the legend, three young girls spotted a strange creature about one and a half meters tall in a vacant lot, with brown skin and huge red eyes. This case, known as the "Varginha Incident," instantly became a global sensation and attracted hundreds of paranormal researchers to the city.

Locals tell thrilling stories of how the military cordoned off the city and allegedly took the extraterrestrial being to a secret laboratory. Although official authorities later stated that the witnesses had mistaken a local resident with special needs for an alien, the city decided to turn this mystery into its main advantage. The UFO legend became the foundation for a tourism brand and the construction of many themed sites.

The memorial itself acts as a guardian of this unusual history. In 2026, in honor of the 30th anniversary of the famous incident, a large-scale ufology conference was held here. For a city that is a major hub for coffee production, the alien theme has become the second most important symbol, blending scientific interest and folklore.

A visit to the museum's main exhibition typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. The memorial is compact, and this time is quite enough to carefully study all the information stands, learn about the timeline of events, and take commemorative photos with the alien figures.

If you plan to attend a 3D session in the planetarium or want to take your time picking out gifts at the souvenir shop, your visit may last up to an hour and a half. Due to its small format, a visit to the ET Memorial is easy to combine with other city sights in a single day.

The doors of the UFO Memorial are open to visitors daily, making it easy to include in any travel schedule. The museum is open from 09:00 to 18:30 seven days a week, with no lunch breaks.

Nevertheless, before your visit, we recommend checking the official website or confirming information with local tourist centers, as operating hours may change slightly during public holidays.

The area surrounding the UFO Memorial offers tourists additional opportunities for walks and soaking up the local atmosphere. Exploring nearby locations will complement your experience in this unusual city.

Many nearby sites also embrace the "space" theme or offer interest as places for relaxation and shopping. Below is a list of the closest attractions: