Atomium

Atomium

Created for the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium with its 9 balls represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times! (It is often mistakenly thought to represent an atom, but in fact each ball represents an atom of iron). The significance of this construction is to celebrate scientific discoveries and breakthroughs. Inside, you will find exhibitions and, most importantly, a stunning view of the Brussels-Capital Region from the top ball.

Halfway between sculpture and architecture, the Atomium was designed and built for the Brussels World’s Fair (1958), for which it was the flagship building and emblem. Representing an iron unit cell (9 iron atoms) magnified 165 billion times, the monument with its unique silhouette has, over time, grown to become the symbol of Brussels and Belgium.

On the inside the Atomium offers, not just the most beautiful view of Brussels, but also an entirely astounding and surreal ride through its interior spaces and volumes which alone makes a visit worth it.

The Atomium ticket automatically includes the entrance to the Design Museum Brussels (150m away).