The Atomium in Brussels was built in 1958 and it’s been one of the city’s top attractions for visitors ever since. It’s over 300 feet tall and has nine large, super-shiny spheres which are connected by tubular passageways. Together, they make the shape of a giant iron crystal cell, but the clever bit is what’s inside. Here you’ll find exhibition space, a restaurant and public areas with the top one having a lovely view of Brussels. Renovation work on the Atomium was completed in 2006 and part of the renovation saw the faded aluminium spheres swapped for dazzling stainless steel.
The permanent exhibition inside the Atomium is about the 1950’s and in particular Expo 58 which the Atomium was created for. This exhibition covers 2 floors in the base sphere but there are further temporary exhibition in the other spheres. There are a number of places to eat including a restaurant in the upper sphere and a cafe in the central sphere. We thought the Atomium was fascinating to visit and we’d thoroughly recommend it. It doesn’t matter what’s inside really, as it’s the structure itself that’s the big highlight.
The Atomium is in Heysel Park next to Mini-Europe. Nearest metro station is Heysel/Heizel and the open top bus tours stop here too. Open daily from 10am to 6pm. Adult admission is 12 Euros although some discounts and concession are available (2016 prices).
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: Brussels Atomium, Square de l’Atomium, Brussels (Bruxelles), Belgium.
Tel: +32 2 475 47 757677
The Atomium is a short car or bus journey from the centre of Brusssels. We used the Brussels Hop on, Hop off Bus Tour to get here
MORE ON BRUSSELS ATOMIUM
The Atomium – Official website
Brussels Hop on, Hop off Bus Tour – Stops at The Atomium
Hotels near the Atomium – Best Prices from Hotels.com
The Atomium – Wikipedia
Travel Books on Brussels – Amazon.co.uk