The Atomium was meant to be temporary. Built as the centrepiece of Expo 58, the first big world fair after the Second World War, it represents an iron crystal magnified billions of times: nine steel spheres joined by tubes, standing about a hundred metres tall on the Heysel plateau in the north of the city. The public loved it so much that it stayed, and after a full renovation in the mid-2000s its spheres shine again. A visit takes you up a central lift and then through the structure by stairs and long escalators inside the tubes, into spheres that hold a permanent exhibition on Expo 58 and changing shows on design and architecture. The top sphere is the viewpoint, with windows looking back over the city. Book the Atomium and Design Museum ticket online, as the main lift creates queues at busy times, and pair it with the design museum next door.
The engineer André Waterkeyn conceived it, with architects André and Jean Polak, as a symbol of faith in science and the peaceful atom. The original aluminium skin was replaced by stainless steel in the renovation, and the night lighting makes it one of the most photographed buildings in Belgium.
Working the visit: arrive early or late in the day, take the lift to the top first for the panorama, then work through the lower spheres at your own pace. Some spheres are reached only by stairs and escalators, so check access if you have limited mobility. The design museum next door is included in the main ticket and worth an hour if you like plastic chairs and pop furniture.
Getting there: metro line 6 to Heysel takes you to the foot of it from the centre. Allow half a day with the travel, and bring a camera for the classic shot from the park in front.
What to expect
The experience
A timed visit through the spheres by lift, stairs and escalators, with exhibitions inside and a panoramic top sphere.
Best time
First thing in the morning or late afternoon, when the lift queue is shortest.
How long
Around two hours including the design museum next door.
Tips
Go to the top sphere first, book online, and allow for stairs between some spheres.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the one modern icon of Brussels and a view over the city.
- Families
- Children love the escalator tubes and the strange spheres; it is the top family pick.
- Couples
- Go late in the day and stay for the lights coming on across the structure.
- Pair with
- Train World or the Comics Art Museum for a full family day.
- Time needed
- Half a day with metro travel.
Good questions
How do I get to the Atomium?+
Take metro line 6 to Heysel; the Atomium is a short walk from the station.
Is the Design Museum included?+
Yes, the standard Atomium ticket includes the design museum next door.
Can you go into all nine spheres?+
No. Visitors can enter several of them, including the top sphere with the view; the others are closed to the public.
Is it accessible?+
The top sphere is reached by lift, but some exhibition spheres need stairs or escalators. Check the official access notes before you go.
Should I book ahead?+
Yes, especially at weekends and in school holidays, to skip the ticket line.