This monument built for the 1958 World's Fair is one of the attractions not to miss during a stay in Brussels. Like the Eiffel Tower, this monument, considered ephemeral at its construction, was not supposed to remain in place.

And yet! Driven by national enthusiasm, the renovation from 2004 to 2006 of this building restored all its former splendor, and today more than 600,000 people flock to discover this major tourist attraction whose interior architecture is often compared to an intergalactic spaceship.

From the top of the Atomium, you will enjoy an exceptional panorama over the city of Brussels, and if you feel peckish, the panoramic restaurant welcomes you 100 meters above ground, in the monument's highest sphere.

How to visit the Atomium?

You should plan a good hour to visit the Atomium, to discover the spheres, the interior architecture, enjoy the view, the exhibitions... 5 of the 9 spheres are open to the public.

Peak hours

To avoid the bulk of the crowd, know that the 11 am to 3 pm time slot is the busiest for tourists. It's better to go to the Atomium at opening time, or even at 5 pm.

The panorama

The first part of the visit is located in the upper sphere of the Atomium, from there, you will have a 360° view over Brussels, and on a clear day, as far as Antwerp. Panels help you find the city's monuments, a good way to spot future visits from afar! Panels also help you discover the 1958 exhibition through shots taken around the monument.

The permanent exhibition

An exhibition on Belgium's last participation in a Universal and International Exhibition in 1958. It aimed to carry a message tinged with optimism and confidence in future society. The exhibition also describes the history of the building using documents, videos, photographs, and models.

Temporary exhibitions

The themes of these exhibitions are very varied and change regularly.

The children's sphere

This sphere is not open to tourists, it is used by local schools and local family audiences for educational purposes.

The Atomium panoramic restaurant

At the highest point of the site, 100 meters above ground, you will enjoy a privileged view over the city of Brussels, while quietly enjoying your meal with family or friends. Belgian specialties are served as well as seasonal dishes.

How to get up the Atomium?

Access is only by elevator, so you have to be patient depending on the crowd. In 1958, it was the fastest in Europe, as it can transport up to 500 passengers in 1 hour. Its speed is 5 m per second. Inside, circulation between the spheres is done using steep stairs, the longest measuring 35 meters. These tunnels, which connect the different spheres, give a futuristic aspect to the Atomium.

Where is the Atomium located?

The Atomium is located at: Atomium Square 1 - 1020 Laeken

Access to the Atomium

Head to the Heyzel/Heisel metro station which corresponds to line 6, the arrival is located 300 m from the monument.

The red tourist bus BrusselsSightSeeing stops only 20 m from the Atomium.

There is no parking on site, however there are parking spaces around the Atomium, unguarded: it is advised not to leave anything visible in the vehicle and to lock your doors properly.

Should you book in advance to visit the Atomium?

It is not mandatory to book your visit in advance, but since access is limited due to the elevator, waiting for tickets and access can be more or less long depending on the time of day, the period (school holidays, summer period...

Busy periods). It is therefore advised to book online, you will be asked to choose a date and time, to reduce waiting.

Please note, it is clearly specified that this reservation gives you no priority and that if attendance is high, you may have to make your visit outside the reserved time slot.

Practical information about the Atomium

Opening hours

The Atomium is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, except December 24 and 31 from 10 am to 4 pm and December 25 and January 1 from 12 pm to 6 pm.

2022 Prices

• Senior - 65 years: €14
• Adult 18-64 years: €16
• Child >115cm-17: €8.50
• Child ≤115cm: free
• Student [with card]: €8.50
• Person with disability: €8.50
• Reduced mobility: free

The ticket price includes a visit to the Atomium and the Brussels Design Museum which is located only 150 meters from the site.

The explorer's guide

A booklet designed for children aged 6 to 12 with riddles to solve, as well as information about the Atomium adapted to their age.

The Atomium Play

Download the app on your mobile phone to discover 12 secrets about the Atomium using QR codes.

Who created the Atomium? Why was the Atomium created?

The Atomium came straight from the imagination of engineer André Waterkeyn, then built by two other architects André and Jean Polak for the 1958 World's Fair. It has since become a true symbol in Belgium, like the Manneken-Pis.

The Atomium in figures:

• 102 m high,
• It consists of 9 spheres of 18 m in diameter,
• The tubes that allow circulation between the spheres have a diameter of 3.30 m,
• Total weight: 2,500 tons,
• This giant sculpture represents an iron atom magnified 165 billion times.

This Brussels symbol with its futuristic appearance intrigues when seen from the outside and surprises once inside, enough to take beautiful souvenir photos during your visit to Brussels!