Attraction
Grand-Place
Brussels' central market square, rebuilt after the 1695 bombardment, framed by the Gothic Town Hall and ornate guildhalls and listed by UNESCO in 1998.
Atomium
A 102-metre model of an iron crystal built for Expo 58 on the Heysel plateau, with exhibitions, a panoramic top sphere and a restaurant.
At a glance
- Type
- Landmark and exhibition building
- Area
- Heysel (Laeken), Brussels, Belgium
- Opening
- Open daily · 10:00–18:00
- Official site
- atomium.be
Good to know
- Panoramic viewpoint
- Restaurant in the top sphere
- Exhibitions
- Design Museum Brussels next door
- Shop
Why we recommend it
The Atomium was built for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, Expo 58, and was never meant to stay. It represents a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified many billions of times, with nine stainless-steel spheres, each 18 metres across, joined by tubes to form a structure 102 metres high. The engineer André Waterkeyn conceived it, and the architects André and Jean Polak designed it. Construction began in 1956 and was finished just before the fair opened on 17 April 1958. It proved so popular that it became a permanent fixture of the Brussels skyline.
Six of the nine spheres are open to the public. The lowest sphere holds a permanent exhibition about the 1950s, Expo 58 and the building's construction, while another hosts temporary exhibitions. Moving between the spheres through the connecting tubes is part of the experience. The top sphere has a panoramic view over Brussels and the restaurant, and there is also a sphere aimed at children. Next door, Design Museum Brussels keeps its own hours, from 11:00 to 19:00 daily.
The Atomium suits families, architecture fans and anyone interested in mid-century design. Children usually enjoy the tubes and the view, and teenagers tend to find the retro styling photogenic. The outside alone is worth seeing even if you do not go in, and the lawns around it are a popular picnic and photo spot.
According to the official site, the Atomium opens every day from 10:00 to 18:00, with the ticket office closing and last entry at 17:30. It closes for annual maintenance from 18 January to 5 February 2027, and opening times are adjusted on some holidays, so check before you travel. Book tickets online to save time at busy periods such as weekends and school holidays. Allow around one and a half to two hours for the spheres and exhibitions, and more if you add the Design Museum.
The Atomium stands on the Heysel plateau in Laeken in the north of the city. Take metro line 6 to Heysel, from where it is a short walk. It is well away from the historic centre, so plan it as a half-day outing, perhaps combined with the parks of Laeken.
Atomium FAQs
What are the opening hours?
The official site lists every day from 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:30. It closes for maintenance from 18 January to 5 February 2027.
How tall is the Atomium?
It is 102 metres high, with nine spheres each 18 metres in diameter.
When was it built?
Between 1956 and 1958, for the Expo 58 World's Fair, which opened on 17 April 1958.
Can you go inside all the spheres?
No. Six of the nine spheres are open to the public, including the top sphere with its panoramic view.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes. The top sphere holds a restaurant alongside the panorama.
How do I get there?
Take metro line 6 to Heysel station, a short walk from the Atomium.
How long should I allow?
About one and a half to two hours for the spheres and exhibitions.
Should I book in advance?
Booking online is sensible at weekends and in school holidays to avoid waiting at the ticket office.