Atomium

The Atomium is the defining landmark of modern Brussels, a 102-metre structure of nine stainless-steel spheres arranged as an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. It was designed by engineer André Waterkeyn for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo 58) and stands on the Heysel plateau in Laeken, in the north of the Brussels-Capital Region, beside Bruparck and Mini-Europe. Visitors enter through the base and ride a lift inside the central tube to the top sphere, which has a panoramic viewing deck and a restaurant looking over the city, the royal greenhouses of Laeken and, on clear days, as far as the Brabant plain. Escalators and stairs inside the connecting tubes link four other accessible spheres, which host the permanent exhibition on Expo 58, with period objects, films and design pieces, as well as temporary shows on design and architecture. The spheres have a distinct 1950s atmosphere, with original details such as the sleek tube escalators and futuristic lighting. A typical visit lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. The best photographs of the exterior are taken from the plaza in front, from the Avenue de la Brussels Expo side or from the park path to the northwest, where the structure reflects the sunset. The interior is least crowded on weekday mornings soon after the 10:00 opening, while weekends, school holidays and the hour before sunset can bring queues at the lift. The admission price is about 16 euros for adults, with reduced fares for children and youth. The Atomium combines easily with Mini-Europe, the Trade Mart area and the Laeken royal estate, all within a short walk, and Metro line 6 stops at Heysel a few minutes from the entrance. A combined ticket with Mini-Europe is often offered.