What is the Atomium?
Originally built for the 1958 World’s Fair, the beaming structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The spaceship-like building with its nine connected spheres is somewhere between a sculpture and a museum, and what was meant to be temporary is now a beloved Belgian icon.
Is it worth visiting?
Yes, and not just for the photo opp. Inside, you’ll find a mix of exhibitions about topics such as the history of air travel or the surrealist art of René Magritte. Escalators through the tubes and a panoramic lift transport you between spheres, and the top one offers a spectacular 360° view over Brussels. There’s also a restaurant up there if you fancy lunch with a view. It’s touristy, but in a delightfully retro-kitsch way.
What else is nearby?
Right next door is Mini-Europe, a charming theme park of miniature replicas of famous European landmarks, and Parc de Laeken across the street is great for picnicking or a post-Atomium stroll. There’s also the Brussels Design Museum. So although it’s all a bit far from the city centre, it’s definitely worth a trip.
Tickets, accessibility and booking
For 17€ you get access to both the Design Museum and the Atomium