museum
Atomium — symbol of Brussels
Atomium, Brussels · €16 · €8.50 children · €13 students
Built for Expo '58 and never taken down, the Atomium's tubes and spheres host permanent exhibits on Belgian design, post-war optimism, and the 1958 World Fair. The top sphere is a viewing deck and restaurant; the view over Heysel and the canal is the strongest reason to go. Combined ticket with Mini-Europe is the standard family option.
Why go
Step inside Brussels' giant steel atom and move through glowing tubes, retro-futurist exhibition rooms and a 102-metre panorama over Laeken, Heysel and the canal. It is part museum, part viewpoint, part 1958 time capsule.
What to expect
Lift ride to the upper sphere for wide Brussels views, weather permittingConnected spheres with escalators, stairs and tunnel-like passagesPermanent displays on Expo 58, Belgian design and post-war optimismDesign Museum Brussels entry included with the Atomium ticketEasy add-on with Mini-Europe for a fuller family day at Heysel