This unusual monument was erected in 1958 as part of the World Fair exhibition. Modelled on an iron atom that has been magnified 165 billion times, it consists of nine metal spheres which are held in place by interconnecting corridors. The structure weighs 2,400 tons and is 102m in height, and each sphere has a diameter of 18 meters.
The top sphere has a restaurant and provides panoramic views of the city (access to this sphere is by lift!). The remaining spheres (which are accessible by escalator) contain exhibition spaces that tell the history of the 1958 exhibition and the story of the Atomium's construction
It was designed by André Waterkeyn to symbolise science and the arrival of the atomic age, and even today the building still looks futuristic, as if it has been recently erected to be a set for a sci-fi movie.
The Atomium was originally planned to be a temporary structure that would be dismantled once the 1958 World fair exhibition ended, however it soon became an icon of modern architecture and of the city, and quickly established itself as one of the city's major landmarks.
Next to The Atomium you will find Bruparck (Mini-Europe) and De Laeken Park, which are also worth visiting at the same time, particularly as these attractions are located outside the city centre.
Price
9 Euro
Opening Times
Daily: 10am to 6pm
Address
Atomium Square
Brussels (Laken)
1020
How to Get There
Metro: Heysel
External link
Official Web Site
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