About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, let’s be real—most "monuments" are just expensive photo-ops designed to keep the city's occupancy rates up and the tourists corralled. But the Atomium is different; it's a weird, retro-futuristic fever dream that actually delivers on the hype. While most of the industry is obsessed with chasing the next high-tech "immersive experience" (a word we use far too often to justify a lead price increase), this 1958 relic still feels more avant-garde than half the stuff being built today. It’s a bit strange to think we’re still obsessed with an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, but standing in that central sphere where all the structural forces meet? It’s genuinely cool. If you're tired of the same old Gothic cathedrals and want to see where the past’s version of the future actually succeeded, this is your spot.
About the Tour
The Atomium isn't just a landmark; it’s a mid-century statement. Originally constructed for the 1958 World Fair, this stainless steel behemoth offers a deep dive into Belgian identity and visionary art. With this dual-access ticket, you get a full-spectrum look at how design has shaped our world, from the architectural scale of the Atomium to the domestic scale of the Design Museum.
What to Expect at the Atomium
- Panoramic Views: Take the elevator to the top for a 360-degree look at all 19 municipalities of Brussels. At 95 meters up, the view is unrivaled.
- The Permanent Collection: Explore the history of the pavilion and the new CENTRALE installation, located at the very heart of the structure.
- Digital & Visual Art: Walk through the "Visual Systems" installation, featuring mesmerizing rings of light, and experience RESTART, an immersive sound and light journey.
- Photographic History: Don't miss the "I have seen the Future" exhibit, which provides a nostalgic photographic look at the World's Fairs that shaped North America and Europe.
A Taste of Belgium
If you’re looking to boost your personal "RevPAR" (Retail value Per Awesome Restaurant), the Atomium Restaurant is the place. You can grab Belgian specialties or seasonal plates while floating nearly 100 meters above the ground. It’s one of the few places where the food actually competes with the view.
Design Museum Brussels
Just a short walk from the spheres, your ticket grants you entry to the Design Museum Brussels. This isn't just a room full of old chairs; it's a comprehensive look at 20th and 21st-century aesthetics.
- Plastics Design Collection: See over 2,000 plastic objects that track the evolution of this material from miracle to controversial staple.
- Belgian Design History: Understand the unique creative DNA that makes Belgian design so distinct and influential on the global stage.
Highlights
- Take in 360-degree panoramic views over Brussels
- See the permanent exhibition about the history of this unique monument
- Visit the two temporary exhibitions: RESTART and I have seen the Future
Know before you go
- Apart from the upper sphere, which is accessible by lift, the rest of the Atomium is not easy to access for people with restricted mobility, and unfortunately it is not suitable for wheelchairs
- There are 80 steps to walk up and 167 steps to walk down, and it is impossible to avoid this
- You are advised to visit when the attraction opens and to avoid peak time (between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM) when there is a large influx of visitors
- After 3:30 PM the flow of visitors tends to reduce
- During the holiday periods, the attraction can be very crowded which can cause longer waiting times
- You are invited to check the activity provider's Facebook and Google pages which shows the number of visitors in real time
- Due to COVID, your admission time may be somewhat delayed due to slower lines for the elevator