Atomium, symbol of Brussels and Belgium

The Atomium is, definitely, one of the most internationally known monuments of Brussels and Belgium, and was built for the World Fair of that city in 1958. Designed by André Waterkeyn, this symbolic place, with their spheres connected, has the form of an iron crystal extended 165 billion times.

You will have a surprising view on the outside, but you mustn’t miss the interior. Most of the visits are made without a guide, but when you go in groups you can access to all the monument. However, it is more advisable to rent an audio guide that can be found in English, Spanish, Dutch and French, among others.

You have to realise something: with the exception of the highest sphere which is accessible by lift, there are many stairs and passages that are not accessible for people who do not have good mobility or who are in a wheelchair.

At present, you can only visit 5 of the areas. As I said before, to the most high sphere it’s possible to access by elevator, which was very advanced and fast for the time of its construction because it reaches 5 meters per second, and there is a restaurant and a viewpoint, that allows us to have beautiful views of the whole city.

The base area, called Henri Storck, has a permanent exhibition dedicated to the years 50; the dedicated to the Belgian artist Marcel Broodthaers, has the permanent exhibitionss; the central, area Waterkeyn, has a bar where you get small things to eat and the kids, which is really only open for school groups who can spend the night there; however in its interior we can see through the windows.

Definitely, the visit to the interior of the Atomium is very particular and unique, altough if you are claustrophobic or fear of heights, I recommend a short visit to avoid these fears, because the passages are a bit narrow and enclosed and the part of the viewpoint which may come to feel quite high.

Practical information of the Atomium

• Address of the Atomium: Eeuwfeestlaan/ Boulevard du Centenaire 1020 Brussels (Laken)
• Hours:
  • Every day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
  • December, 24 and 31 th. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • December, 25 and January 1 th. from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Remember the ticket office close, always, half of an hour before
• Prices:
  • Children under 6: free
  • Children (6 – 11): €6
  • Teens (12 – 17): €8
  • Students (with student ID): €8
  • Accompanying teachers (with ID): €10
  • Adults (18 – 59): €12
  • Senior citizens (60 and above): €9