We are one hundred percent sure that you recognize this characteristic tourist attraction, representing a model of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. (Although Wiolczi resembles more a collection of disco balls connected by a network of short pipelines or a huge skeleton of a dice, but this is not what the author had in mind.) The famous Atomium attracts crowds of tourists every day. This is not an advertising slogan. We were there and saw a long queue to get in. But it didn’t discourage us at all, because we had to see the structure of this unique atom from the inside.
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Atomium – photos
At the beginning of our photo report, we would like to show you our favorite photo from Atomium, which confirms that the iPhone’s front camera takes definitely worse photos than the rear one. Do you agree? Well, now to the point. : ) The monumental model of the iron crystal was created in Brussels in 1958 on the occasion of the EXPO-58 event. It symbolized previous scientific and technical achievements. However, according to the plans at that time, six months after the great world exhibition, there was to be no trace of the building.
Fortunately, contrary to the announcements, the Belgians did not destroy the largest atom in the history of mankind and today we can show it to you in all its glory. The facility is 102 meters high. It consists of 9 powerful balls connected by thick metal pipes. The entire structure has an interesting and eye-pleasing shape. However, it gives the impression that someone kicked a regular, cubic building, and it – for some reason – stood on one of the tops. It looks cool, but a bit unstable.
Three Belgians were responsible for this unique design: engineer André Waterkeyn and architect brothers – André and Jean Poles. It must be admitted that they are talented guys. Coming up with such a structure is one thing, but keeping it from collapsing is an art. Despite the originality and uniqueness of the project, Atomium fell into disrepair for many years. Today’s image of the symbol of Brussels is the result of a renovation carried out in 2004-2006, which – fortunately – did not deprive it of its futuristic spirit.
Exploring the Atomium involves moving between its subsequent spheres. Of the nine ‘metal balls’, five are available to tourists. The diameter of each is 18 meters. We start the journey from the highest one. We get to the top by a fast elevator, which takes visitors from the ground floor in just 23 seconds. You travel between the remaining balls by escalator or by walking on metal steps.
And here we will stop for a moment, because this displacement has some element of a psychedelic experience. Entering corridors of the Atomium is like a small expedition into the world of the Matrix. Imagine that you are traveling through a metal tunnel with a diameter of over 3 meters (3.3 m to be exact) and a length of 23 to 26 meters. Inside, multi-colored lights flash and mysterious music plays. Animations combined with sound make it seem surreal.
The insides of the balls are completely different. The highest one serves as a typical observation deck. While walking along it, you will have the opportunity to admire the panorama of Brussels from a height of 92 meters. Be careful not to let it turn your head. We managed to capture two very famous attractions of the city (see photo below). The first is the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels (a building with a green dome crossing the horizon), the second – the Mini-Europe miniature park (a fragment of which can be found in the lower right quarter of the photo).
After the panorama, it is worth seeing the permanent exhibition, where you will find documents, photos and films devoted not only to Atomium, but also to the EXPO-58 event. Archival materials allow you to thoroughly immerse yourself in the over sixty-year history of the symbol of Brussels, as well as trace its evolution over time. All this in an industrial-space environment. Do you need proof that a permanent exhibition is not boring at all? Let it be this young tourist who looks sincerely interested in the exhibition.
However, we liked the immersive part of Atomium much more. The RESTART temporary exhibition was an extraordinary feast for the senses. Expressive sounds and lights create a perfect composition, in the presence of which the number of endorphins in the body quickly increases. If you have ever been to a techno, trance or house party, you can be sure that this place will bring back memories. This modern, digital exhibition is not only a tribute to younger visitors, but also proof that Atomium still deserves to be called a symbol of ‘technical achievements so far’.
A walk through the spheres of the world’s largest atom goes by very quickly, but we can recommend it to you with a clear conscience and sincere heart. It is a truly unique structure in the world. When visiting Brussels, you simply cannot miss this attraction.
Atomium – ticket price
Ticket prices for Atomium are as follows:
- Adults from 18 to 64 years of age – 16 euros.
- Seniors (from 65 years of age) – 14 euros.
- Children over 115 cm tall (up to 17 years of age) – 8.5 euros.
- Children 115 cm tall or less enter for free.
- Visitors with the International Student Card – 8.5 euros.
- Visitors with the International Teacher’s Card – 11 euros.
- People with disabilities – 8.5 euros.
Ticket price includes:
- visiting the Atomium (permanent exhibition, temporary exhibition, panorama);
- entrance to the Brussels Design Museum (150 m from Atomium).
Atomium – opening hours
Atomium can be visited 7 days a week from 10:00 to 18:00 (the last entry is at 17:30).
Atomium – visiting time
- Allocate at least 1 hour in your schedule to visit the Atomium.
- However, if you want to contemplate the Brussels panorama and exhibitions longer, reserve about 2 hours.
Atomium – how to get?
Atomium is located at Pl. de l’Atomium 1 at Boulevard du Centenaire 1020 in the Laeken district of Brussels.
- On foot/bike. The attraction is approximately 6.5 kilometers from Brussels’ Grand Place (the old town). The walk will take you about 1.5 hours and the bike ride about 0.5 hour.
- Subway. The nearest metro stations are Heysel (Heizel) and Brussel Brugmann.
- Bus. The nearest bus stop is Brussel Stadion.
- Tram. The nearest tram stops are Heysel (Heizel) and Saint-Lambert.
- Car. In close proximity to the Atomium you will find the following parking lots: Brupark, Kinepolis, Brussels Expo Parking B. However, they do not belong to the facility itself and are not guarded. Remember that Brussels is located in a non-emission zone – before entering the city, check whether your car meets the exhaust emission standard.
Atomium – interesting facts and tips
- The name Atomium is a combination of the words “atom” and “aluminum”.
- Apparently, on the occasion of EXPO 58, instead of a giant iron atom, the Belgians planned to build… an inverted Eiffel Tower in Brussels.
- Until recently, Atomium was covered by copyright, and distributing photographs of the building meant breaking the law. So if you took a photo with this attraction and posted it on Instagram, you could get in trouble. In July 2016, Belgians relaxed copyright law, introducing freedom of panorama. Since then, you no longer need to ask for permission to photograph Atomium. If it weren’t for this amendment, this post would probably never have been written.
- If the weather conditions are good, you can see Antwerp from the observation deck – a city located 40 kilometers north of Brussels.
- There is a restaurant at the top of the building. We haven’t been there, but apparently the views are really beautiful, especially after sunset. You can order traditional Belgian food and seasonal dishes there. The restaurant is open until 11 p.m.
- When going to Atomium, remember about two restrictions. Firstly, children under 16 years of age cannot visit attractions without an adult guardian. Secondly, during the trip you have to climb 80 steps up and 167 steps down – this is a difficulty that must be taken into account by people with disabilities or limited mobility.
Atomium – reviews
- Patrix – 9/10. Entrance to Atom is a must-see during your trip to Brussels! Don’t hesitate – just buy tickets and go inside (the price seems attractive). There you will find a view of the beautiful panorama of the city and plenty of interestingly arranged rooms. Passing between balls also has a certain magic to it. People who like to play with light will take a lot of impressive photos for social media. I recommend.
- Wiolczix – 8/10. What an architecturally interesting building this is! It looks epic from the outside and it’s hard for me to compare it to any other tourist attraction in the world. It also looks very interesting inside. Each ball is a completely new experience. Brussels looks great from the 92-meter vantage point. But what I liked most was the artistic installation in a room filled with sound and light. It made a huge impression on me!
Atomium – frequently asked questions
What does the Atomium in Brussels represent?
The Atomium in Brussels presents a model of an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. It is 102 meters high. Each of the 9 balls has a diameter of 18 meters. They are connected by corridors ranging from 23 to 26 meters long and over 3 meters in diameter.
How much does it cost to enter Atomium?
Tickets to Atomium cost EUR 16 for adults, EUR 14 for seniors, and children up to 17 years of age. – 8.5 euros, students (on presentation of the International Student Card) – 8.5 euros, teachers (on presentation of the International Teacher’s Card) – 11 euros, disabled – 8.5 euros. Children up to 115 centimeters tall enter for free.
Is Atomium free?
There is an entrance fee to the Atomium. Only children under 116 centimeters tall can visit them for free.
What is at Atomium in Brussels?
Inside the Atomium in Brussels there is an observation deck, permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions. They are located in individual spheres of the building which are connected by corridors with metal steps or escalators.
Is it worth going inside the Atomium?
It’s definitely worth visiting the interior of Atomium. The structure is impressive from the outside, but only entering the building fully reveals its values. The interior has a very industrial character, to some it resembles a space station or a submarine. The panorama of Brussels and the exhibitions delight even demanding tourists.
Atomium – map
Atomium is located in the Laeken district, on the outskirts of Brussels, in the northern part of the city.
