Atomium: Tickets

Atomium - Tickets and Visitor Information

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What is The Atomium?

• The Atomium is one of Brussels' most famous landmarks and one of the city's most popular attractions.
• Built for the 1958 World's Fair (Expo 58), the 102-metre structure was originally intended to stand for just six months. It proved so popular that it was kept and has since become one of Brussels' defining landmarks.
• Its distinctive design represents an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times.
• Six of the nine spheres are open to visitors. Inside you can find exhibitions, futuristic connecting tunnels, a panoramic viewing platform and a restaurant.
• Tickets also include entry to the nearby Design Museum Brussels.

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Quick Information

• ‍Atomium Museum Address: Square de l'Atomium, 1020, Brussels
• Opening Hours: Daily from: 10:00 - 18:00
• Suggested Visit Duration: 1 - 2 hours
• Ticket Options

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Is The Atomium Worth Visiting?

• Yes. The Atomium is one of Brussels' most distinctive buildings.
• Most people visit for the panoramic views from the top sphere, but the journey between the spheres is part of the experience too.
• Escalators and tunnels connect the different levels, while exhibitions explain the history of the building, Expo 58 and its role as a symbol of post-war optimism.

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What You Can See At The Atomium?

Rather than being a traditional museum, the Atomium is a combination of architecture, exhibitions and viewpoints. As you move through the giant spheres, you'll discover different displays and spaces connected by tunnels and escalators. Highlights include:

• The viewing platform: The highest sphere offers panoramic views across Brussels. You can spot landmarks such as the Grand Place, the Royal Palace and, on clear days, the countryside beyond.
• The permanent exhibition: Discover how the Atomium was designed for Expo 58 and why it became one of Belgium's most recognisable landmarks.
• Temporary exhibitions: Several spheres host changing exhibitions covering art, architecture, design and science, which rotate throughout the year.
• The tubes: Walking through the illuminated tubes and riding the long escalators between the spheres gives you a real sense of the building's unusual design and its retro-futuristic style.
• The restaurant: One of the upper spheres contains a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal or drink while looking out over Brussels. Reservations are recommended during busy periods.

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About The Atomium

Designed by engineer André Waterkeyn, the Atomium was created as the centrepiece of Expo 58, the first World's Fair held after the Second World War. Its design symbolised scientific progress and optimism for the future, representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.

Although it was only intended to remain for six months, strong public support ensured it was preserved long after Expo 58 had ended and it became a permanent landmark in the city.

Between 2004 and 2006 the building underwent a major renovation, replacing the original aluminium cladding with stainless steel and modernising the interior while preserving its distinctive appearance.

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