Atomium
A giant model of an iron crystal molecule built for the 1958 World's Fair, its nine stainless steel spheres linked by tubes. The top sphere offers views over Brussels.
The Atomium is the landmark of the 1958 Brussels World's Fair. Engineer André Waterkeyn designed it as an iron crystal unit cell enlarged 165 billion times. It stands 102 m tall, and its nine stainless steel spheres, each 18 m in diameter, are connected by tubes. The structure symbolizes faith in atomic energy and science. Visitors take a high-speed lift to the top sphere for a 360-degree view over Brussels and its surroundings. The other open spheres present the history of the Atomium and the World's Fair and host temporary exhibitions. The spheres are linked by escalators and staircases, and the lighting gives the place a distinctly futuristic feel. Tickets cost about €16–17, and you can buy a combined ticket with the neighboring Mini-Europe, which displays European landmarks at a scale of 1:25. The Brussels Park beneath the Atomium also contains other pavilions from the 1958 World's Fair. From the city center, take Metro line 6 to Heysel/Heizel station, then walk about five minutes.
Opening hours
Daily 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Mini-Europe
- National Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Koekelberg)
- Belgian Comic Strip Center
- Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries
- Grand-Place
- Manneken Pis
- Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium & Mont des Arts