Atomium, Brussels – Icon of Modern Belgium

The Atomium is a 102-metre-tall landmark in the Heysel district in the north of Brussels. It represents the unit cell of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times and reflects the post-war optimism and faith in scientific progress of the 1950s. Today it is one of the best-known symbols of Brussels and of Belgium.

The structure was designed by engineer André Waterkeyn, with architects André and Jean Polak, for Expo 58, the first major World’s Fair after World War II. It was meant to stand for only six months, but its popularity saved it. Between 2004 and 2006 it was thoroughly renovated, and the original aluminium cladding of the spheres was replaced with shining stainless steel.

The Atomium consists of nine spheres, each 18 metres in diameter, linked by tubes with stairs and escalators, while a lift in the central tube reaches the top sphere in about 23 seconds. Five spheres are open to visitors and host permanent and temporary exhibitions about Expo 58, science and design. The top sphere offers a panorama over Brussels, and the ticket also includes the Design Museum Brussels, 150 metres away.

The Atomium is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:30, and closes for a few weeks of annual maintenance in January and February. Online tickets skip the ticket office but not the queue at the entrance, so it is best to come at opening time or after 15:00. Mini-Europe, a park of miniature European landmarks, lies at the foot of the Atomium, and combined tickets are available.