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Atomium

Atomium
About

Rising above the Heysel Plateau in northern Brussels, the Atomium is a striking symbol of Belgian ingenuity and postwar optimism. Built for the 1958 World’s Fair (Expo 58), this futuristic structure represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, with nine gleaming spheres connected by tubes housing escalators and stairs. Designed by engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak, the Atomium stands 102 metres tall and offers panoramic views from its top sphere, which also hosts a restaurant. Originally intended as a temporary installation, it became a beloved landmark and was fully renovated between 2004 and 2006. Today, the Atomium functions as a museum and cultural venue, with exhibitions exploring science, design, and digital art. Its surreal silhouette has become an enduring icon of Brussels, blending architectural daring with a celebration of human progress. Whether admired from below or explored from within, the Atomium invites visitors to experience a unique fusion of science, art, and imagination.

Brussels Belgium
Location

The Atomium is located at Place de l’Atomium 1, 1020 Brussels, in the Laeken district on the Heysel Plateau in the northern part of the city. Originally built as the centerpiece of the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (Expo 58), this striking modernist structure stands 102 meters tall and consists of nine interconnected stainless steel spheres arranged to represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Today, the Atomium is Brussels’ most iconic landmark, offering panoramic views from its top sphere, a restaurant, and a series of exhibitions inside its futuristic spaces. The Atomium is surrounded by several major attractions, making the area a vibrant destination for visitors. Just next door is Mini-Europe, a park featuring miniature replicas of famous European monuments, while the Brussels Expo exhibition halls and the lush Parc de Laeken are also within easy walking distance. The Royal Castle of Laeken and its famous greenhouses are nearby, as are the Museums of the Far East, including the Japanese Tower and Chinese Pavilion. The site is easily accessible via the Heysel/Heizel metro station on line 6, connecting visitors to the rest of Brussels. With its unique architecture and proximity to cultural, historical, and family-friendly attractions, the Atomium is a must-see highlight for any trip to Brussels.

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