The Atomium is an icon in Belgium and one of the most unique museum experiences you can have around the world. The 102m tall building is shaped like an atom structure, and the museum is housed inside the different spheres. You can take the record-breaking elevator to the top for panoramic views over Brussels, and then make your way through the different spheres to learn about the history and construction of the Atomium.
This guide to how to visit the Atomium will take you through everything you need to prepare for your visit. This includes how to get there, practical information like opening hours and tickets, and a breakdown of each section of your Atomium experience. You’ll also find some recommendations of other things to do near the Atomium so you can make the most of your visit.
By the end of this guide on How to Visit the Atomium, you’ll be completely ready for your Atomium museum experience, and my tips will make sure you have the best day out!
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A History of the Atomium
The Atomium was built in the late 1950s for the Brussels World’s Fair, intended to be the central, flagship building for the event. The domes of the unique building represent magnified atoms, and this design was chosen due to the popularity of science in the 50s and the faith in its power.
Construction only took two years and involved many innovative techniques and styles. It was finished just in time for the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels and was a huge success. In fact, it was only meant to be standing for six months, but its popularity has made it an iconic part of Belgian and European identity.
Is the Atomium Worth Visiting?
The short answer to this question is yes. Whether you want to pay to enter the museum or not, the Atomium is one of Belgium and Europe’s most iconic buildings, so at the very least you should take the metro to see it up close.
The main attraction inside the Atomium is the panoramic views from the top level. The museum is interesting, especially if you like architecture and design, but it’s a little expensive for the experience and the queues can be long. If you’re short on time or your money is a bit tight, I’d recommend just seeing the Atomium from the surrounding area and then heading back into Brussels to explore there. However, it is a really fun experience to enter the Atomium and walk through the globes, so if you can visit the Atomium, you should.
Atomium Opening Hours
The Atomium is open daily from 10 am-6 pm. Last entrance is 30 minutes before closing.
Of course, you can see the exterior of the Atomium at any time of day, and it is actually very impressive at night!
How to Get to the Atomium
The Atomium sits on the outskirts of Brussels, to the north of the city. However, it’s still easily accessible by public transport.
The easiest way to get to the Atomium is by metro. Take metro line 6 towards Roi Baudouin and get off at the penultimate stop – Heysel station. From Midi Station, you can access metro line 6. From Central Station or De Brouckère (the most central metro stops in Brussels), take metro lines 1 or 5 to Beekkant, where you can change to metro line 6 towards Roi Baudouin. Changing at Beekkant is the best way to get to the Atomium from any metro station on lines 1 or 5.
Upon exiting Heysel metro station, cross the tram lines and walk through the Brupark car park. You’ll see the Atomium almost immediately so it’s very easy to find your way to it!
How Long Does it Take to Visit the Atomium?
The Atomium is a relatively small museum. I would set aside 1-2 hours to visit the Atomium. That should be more than enough time to queue, enjoy the views, and make your way around the exhibits.
However, I’d recommend spending a half-day exploring the whole Atomium area. There are loads of things to do around the Atomium, where you can see cool views of the sculpture, You can read more about other things to do near the Atomium later in this post, but if you have the time to dedicate a half-day to the area, you won’t regret it.
Atomium Tickets: Prices & Where to Buy
A standard ticket to the Atomium costs €16 per person. There are reductions for children, students and disabled people – these tickets costs €8,50. Children under 115cm go free, and for seniors over 65, tickets cost €14.
Your entry ticket gives you access to the entire Atomium museum, and you also get a bonus ticket to the Design Museum, which is just next to the Atomium.
I recommend buying your tickets online before you visit. Otherwise, you’ll have to queue to buy your tickets and then queue to enter the museum. You will also have to select a time to visit when you book tickets – this helps to reduce queue times.
It’s possible to buy a combined ticket for Atomium and Mini Europe, a nearby attraction. If you’d like to purchase the combined Atomium and Mini Europe ticket, you cannot buy it online. You’ll have to purchase it at the Atomium ticket office.
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How to Visit the Atomium
When you arrive at the Atomium, you’ll need to join the queue to get in. If you have already bought your ticket, you want to head into the main building, directly underneath the bottom globe of the Atomium structure. If you haven’t bought your ticket yet, the ticket office is just to the side of the main building.
There is usually a queue at the Atomium. This is because when you first enter, you will take an elevator to the panoramic viewpoint before seeing the museum exhibitions. There are fun things to read on the walls to keep you amused while you wait. The queue also moves fairly quickly as 20 people can go in the elevator at once. The waiting time will vary but you can expect to wait around 15 minutes.
Once you ride the elevator and arrive at the panorama level, you can take as much time as you like to look out over Brussels. The Atomium is over 100m tall so the views are amazing! You can see Laeken Park, Mini Europe, and a lot of greenery that is hard to identify! You will also see the city centre in the distance but it can be a little difficult to make out what you are looking at. After you’ve taken in all the views, you will have to queue again to take the elevator back down to the ground level.
Now it’s time to see the museum exhibitions! It’s worth noting here that the museum exhibitions are not wheelchair accessible, as access is only via stairs and escalators. Wheelchair users should be given free entry as they are only able to access the panorama floor, so if this is relevant to you you should enquire.
The first two levels of the museum are the permanent exhibition. This shows the history and construction of the Atomium and is, for me, the most interesting part of the experience! There are loads of pictures and drawings of the process, and even a scale model of the Atomium and the surrounding grounds!
Next, you’ll find temporary exhibitions. When I visited in summer 2020, there was an art exhibition and a Smurfs exhibition. The former celebrates the works of Pieter Bruegel, a famous renaissance painter. The latter uses Smurfette to talk about equality and the UN’s development goals for gender equality. The temporary exhibitions may have changed by the time of your visit, so it’s worth checking out the Atomium website to see the most up to date information.
As you make your way through the globes of the Atomium, there are some cool escalators with light shows. It really adds to the experience!
Once you reach the end of the museum and descend back to the ground floor, you’ll pass through the gift shop. You can buy many Atomium and Belgium themed souvenirs before finally making your exit.
Other Things to Do Near the Atomium
Mini Europe
Mini Europe and the Atomium go hand in hand. They are right next to each other and you can even buy combined tickets for the two attractions.
Mini Europe is a small park filled with miniature sculptures of iconic buildings across Europe. You can travel across the continent in just an hour! This is a great activity to do when you’re in the north of the city and the views of the Atomium from the park are amazing. Check out the Mini Europe website here for more info.
Planetarium
If you want to fill your day with museums, why not visit the Planetarium and learn all about space. It’s perfect if the weather isn’t on your side and you want to spend as much time inside as possible!
Tickets for the Planetarium cost €8, with a €2 reduction for students, seniors, and children. Check out their website here for more info.
Design Museum
Another museum to visit, entrance to the Design Museum is actually included with your Atomium ticket! So for those who love to get the most out of their money, this one is for you.
The Design Museum houses exactly what you’d think – design. You’ll find a huge collection of sculptures and miscellaneous items that all boast interesting design.
Tickets to the Design Museum cost €8-10 if you are buying your ticket separately to the Atomium. Check out their website here for more info.
Laeken Park
This huge park is fantastic for a nice stroll if you have some good weather. The entire park is over 70 acres and you’ll find loads of different little attractions. I recommend visiting Laeken Castle; The Japanese Gardens; The Laeken Notre-Dame; and The Florist’s Garden.
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Where to Eat and Drink at the Atomium
The food and drink options around the Atomium are a little limited. Aside from the Atomium restaurant (which isn’t a regular dining experience) you’ll be able to find sandwiches and snacks, but not much more.
If you’re visiting the Atomium and then heading back to the centre, I’d recommend grabbing some fries from the friterie to keep you going, and get a proper meal back in Brussels. Find out where to get the best Belgian fries in Brussels if you’re looking for some more inspiration.
The Atomium Restaurant
Make it an experience to remember and eat at the panoramic restaurant inside the Atomium! The restaurant is in the top sphere of the Atomium, and easily one of the most unique places in the world to dine.
It’s worth bearing in mind that due to the experience of the Atomium restaurant (and the high quality food served), this is an expensive place to eat, and not somewhere you’d pop in for lunch during your visit to the Atomium.
You should make reservations in advance via the Atomium restaurant website, and you can also check out all their menu options (with prices) here.
The Atomium Terrace
For something a little more budget friendly, you can eat at the foot of the Atomium. The Atomium terrace is joined onto the ticket office, and you can grab sandwiches, drinks and beers. It’s not quite as cool to sit under the Atomium than at the top of it, but it’s still a pretty unique place to grab lunch!
The terrace is open daily from 10 am-6 pm.
Friteries
In true Belgian fashion, there are two friteries just next to the Atomium. There’s a mobile friterie that usually sits on the north side of the building and you’ll pass it if you’re coming from Heysel metro station. However, there are no opening hours, so no guarantee that the friterie will be there when you visit!
The Friterie Atomium is on the opposite side, but still just a short walk away. They’re open from around 11 am-7 pm.
Where to See the Best Views of the Atomium
You can see incredible views from the top of the Atomium, but sometimes you want to get a cool view of the Atomium itself! You can stand right under the Atomium and see it from all angles, which is great.
If you visit Mini Europe, you’ll also see some great angles of the Atomium as you walk around.
At various spots in the north of Laeken Park, you can see the Atomium peeking through and above the trees.
If you can’t visit the Atomium but still want to see it, head to Place Poelaert next to the Palais de Justice. You might need to squint a little but you can see the Atomium in the skyline.
Now you’ve reached the end of this guide, I’m sure that you’re all clued up on how to visit the Atomium in Brussels. If you have any other questions about the Atomium you can leave a comment at the bottom and I’ll be sure to get back to you. Also, if you use this How to Visit the Atomium guide and enjoy your visit, please let me know!
After the How to Visit the Atomium Guide, you might want to read more of my Brussels content, like the best things to do in Brussels or The Brussels Comic Book Route: The Complete Guide
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