Monument · Belgium · Brussels-Capital Region

Atomium

A giant model of an iron crystal, built for the 1958 World's Fair and now an icon of Brussels.

Paid entry about 1.5 h

For storytellers

Why Atomium matters

The Atomium rises over the north of Brussels like a retro-futuristic sculpture: nine shining spheres joined by tubes, representing an iron crystal magnified many times. Built for the 1958 World's Fair, it has exhibition spaces and a top-sphere view of the city. It's a cheerful relic of the optimism of the atomic age.

Talking points

  • It was built for the 1958 World's Fair.
  • Escalators and lifts connect the spheres.
  • The top sphere has a view over the city.

Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.

More in Brussels

Square · UNESCO

Grand-Place

Brussels, Belgium

Brussels' gilded market square, ringed by guild houses and the town hall.

Museum

Magritte Museum

Brussels, Belgium

A museum devoted to the surrealist René Magritte.

Monument

Manneken Pis

Brussels, Belgium

The tiny fountain statue of a boy, one of Brussels' quirkiest symbols.

Shopping

Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries

Brussels, Belgium

One of Europe's earliest glass-roofed shopping arcades, filled with chocolate shops and cafes.

Museum

Belgian Comic Strip Center

Brussels, Belgium

A museum in an Art Nouveau building celebrating Tintin, the Smurfs and Belgian comics.

Also nearby

Within about 40 km, closest first.