Atomium Brussels
The Atomium rises above Brussels with its shiny spheres and connecting tubes. Climb inside to enjoy sweeping city views from 92m above the ground and historical Expo 58 exhibits. Nearby, Design Museum Brussels showcases Belgian design history, including 2,000 objects from the Plastics Collection.
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About Atomium Brussels
Rising above Brussels, the Atomium’s spheres connect through polished tubes. Visitors explore the Expo ’58 exhibition, celebrating its original 1958 design and Belgian creativity, enjoy views of the Royal Greenhouses, and dine at the Atomium Restaurant. Tickets also include the entry to Design Museum Brussels which is just 150m away from Atomium.
Did you know?
The Atomium, created by engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak, was originally intended to stand as a temporary six-month structure for Expo ’58.
When it debuted in 1958, the Atomium’s elevator was the world’s fastest, carrying visitors 102 meters to the top in just 23 seconds.
In 2013, CNN named the Atomium one of Europe’s “weirdest” monuments, placing it ahead of Lithuania’s unusual Banknote Building.
Inside the Atomium, a 35-meter escalator takes you between levels, standing out as one of Europe’s longest.
After dark, lights on the Atomium’s spheres follow patterns resembling electron paths, making the landmark shimmer like a giant atomic model in motion.
Why visit Atomium Brussels?
Plan your visit
Main Entrance Pavilion
The Atomium’s main entrance at Place de l’Atomium in northern Brussels is clearly marked and welcoming. Just a five-minute walk from Heysel/Heizel metro, it leads you to ticket counters, information desks, restrooms, and the start of exhibitions and spheres.
- Regular hours: The Atomium is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
- Last entry: Admission is allowed until 5:30pm, so plan to arrive with enough time to explore the exhibitions and spheres.
- Special hours and closures: The Atomium is closed on December 25 but opens from noon to 6pm on January 1 with last entry at 5:30pm. On December 24 and 31, it closes at 4pm with last entry at 3:30pm.
Souvenir shop
A souvenir shop is located at the ground level, offering Atomium and Belgium-themed gifts and memorabilia.
Dining outlets
Dining is available at the panoramic Atomium Restaurant in the top sphere. Reservations are highly recommended.
Toilets
Toilets are available on-site. Please note that a small fee (€0.50) applies.
Information desk
An information desk is available at the entrance for visitor assistance.
Lockers
Paid locker facilities are available at €1.
Wheelchair accessible
The Atomium is wheelchair accessible, including elevators to most spheres. Some exhibition areas may have limited access due to stairs or escalators.
Service animals allowed
Service animals are welcome throughout the Atomium.
Elevator access
Elevator access is available to the top panoramic sphere and most exhibition levels. During peak times, elevator wait times may be long.
Outside food and drinks
Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the Atomium. Exceptions are made for baby food and medically necessary items.
Pets
Pets are not allowed inside the Atomium, with the exception of service animals.
Weapons
Sharp objects or tools that could harm other visitors or staff are not allowed inside the Atomium.
Banners
Displaying banners anywhere inside the Atomium is not allowed.
Smoking
Smoking and vaping is an absolute no-no inside the venue.
Glass bottles
Glass items and glass bottles are not permitted inside.
Guests with mobility issues
This experience is not suitable for wheelchair or pram/stroller users. While the top sphere is reachable by lift, accessing the other areas requires climbing 80 steps up and 167 steps down, which cannot be bypassed.
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