Atomium

Created at the time of the Universal Exhibition of 1958 and originally designed to last just 6 months (the duration of the exhibition) it’s still present on the city’s skyline today. After more than fifty years of success, large renovation investments began in the early 1990’s, leaving a building that looks like it was built only yesterday...

Standing at a height of102 meters, its metal structure has a total weight of 2,400 tons with each of its spheres boasting a diameter of 18 meters and weighing in at 250 tonnes. Using admirable technical prowess, the lift in the central pillar of the Atomiumwas created as well as the escalators installed in oblique tubes – which are among the longest in Europe.

The Atomiumstill arouses the curiosity of many a tourist who wonder its significance. Is it a molecule? An atom? An abstract sculpture? Well, no, The Atomium is none other than the representation of the unit cell of iron - magnified 165 billion times…

Today, the Atomium is not just a monument but also a museum which offers both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. It’s worth knowing that visitors to the Atomium are offered reductions to Mini Europe and the Kinepolis cinema complexes.

Opening hours: every day, from 10am until 6pm (ticket office closes at 5.30pm)

Rates:

Atomium: Single entrance

Children 6 years, coach, disabled: Free

Children 6 to 11 years: € 6

Children 12-18 years: € 8

Students (on presentation of card): € 8

Adults (18-64): € 11

Seniors (age 65): € 8

Atomium: Group entry (from 20 persons)

Children 6 years, coach, disabled: Free

Children 6 to 11 years: € 4

Children 12-18 years: € 6

Students (on presentation of card): € 6

Accompanying teachers (on presentation of card): € 7

How to get there:

Metro: From the De Brouckère metro station (near the Bourse and the Grand Place):

> take line 1, heading to the Gare de l'Ouest / Weststation

> get off at Beekkant

> change line at Beekkant

> take line 6, heading to Roi Baudouin / Koning Boudewijn

> get off at Heysel / Heizel

Approximate journey time: 15 minutes.

From the Gare du Midi (Brussels South train station):

> take line 6, heading to Roi Baudouin / Koning Boudewijn

> get off at Heysel / Heizel

Approximate journey time: 15 minutes.

Car:

There are a number of free car parks near the Atomium. However, these car parks are not patrolled. We therefore recommend that visitors take basic precautionary measures when parking their cars, making sure that they are locked and that there are no tempting items visible.

picture © www.atomium.be - SABAM 2009 - DJ Sharko