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Atomium

1 Place de l'Atomium, Bruxelles, Bruxelles

Description

The Atomium is Brussels' most famous landmark and its most visited tourist attraction. The structure was designed by engineer André Waterkeyn and the architects André and Jean Polak for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair and looks like an iron crystal magnified by several orders of magnitudes (x165bn to be exact). There are 9 stainless steel-clad spheres with a 19m diameter connected by tubes with escalators or staircases as well as an elevator leading to the central sphere. Six of the nine spheres are open to the public and the top one (viewing deck is 92m above ground) has a panorama area and a restaurant. The bottom sphere is dedicated to the construction of the structure and the Expo '58, and the second one hosts temporary exhibitions. The Design Museum Brussels next door focuses on modern and contemporary design works (20th/21st centuries).

Access & Transport

The Atomium is located on the Heysel Plateau in Laeken, 6km northwest of the historical centre of Brussels. It is easily reached by metro (6) or tram (7), stopping at Heysel station, less than 5mins walk away.

Instructions & Recommendations

Note that the Atomium ticket automatically includes the entrance to the Design Museum Brussels (150m away). You can expect some queues during holiday periods (buying online saves time at the ticket office but does not entitle ticket holders to cut the entrance line)

Meta review

Near the top of the list in online review portals and featured prominently in travel magazines, the structure gets so much success due to its original and very photogenic look. A great backdrop indeed and some fancy light effects in the tubes connecting the spheres but there are recurring negative comments about the excessive price and the crowds. The exhibitions generally attract mostly positive feedback, but not systematically.

Environmental & Social

No environmental data about the structure but it uses a fair amount of electricity. Part of the city's architectural heritage.

Conclusion

The Atomium is one a Brussels' must see but whether it is a must-visit depend on your budget elasticity. The inside is cool enough but does not justify the pricing, only its popularity... Anyways, there are other attractions nearby (mini-Europe and the Laeken Park) so it is definitely worth coming if you have at least 2 full days in the city.

Key positive

Creative and visually impressive

Other attractions nearby

Key negative

Somewhat expensive entrance fees

Suitability

Only the central and panorama spheres are accessible for wheelchair users (lifts)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last admission at 17h30

av. transport time:0h 40m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 18:00

Tuesday10:00 - 18:00

Wednesday10:00 - 18:00

Thursday10:00 - 18:00

Friday10:00 - 18:00

Saturday10:00 - 18:00

Sunday10:00 - 18:00

Pricing
There is a combined ticket option with Mini-Europe (onsite purchase only)
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€14
Adult
18 - 64
€16
Child
7 - 17
€8.5
Infant
0 - 6
€0
The Child threshold is based on height of 115cm, not age. We use 7yrs old as a proxy

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