Atomium Brussel: A Wonder of Engineering and Architecture
Brussels has a structure that is easily visible from many points in the city. It is the Atomium, the monument built for Expo’58, or the Brussels World Fair. We like to see unusual architectures, they attract our attention. Atomium is one such building.
What is Atomium used for?
Atomium was designed by Belgian engineer Andre Waterkeyn in 1958. It became a symbol of Brussels and the Brussels World Fair, which had an important place after World War II. The total length of the iron atom is 102 meters.
The Atomium, which was created by connecting nine steel spheres, was originally opened temporarily, but like many other structures built for the fair, it was decided not to remove it.
What is inside the Atomium?
We are dealing with an atomic particle magnified 165 billion times. The diameter of the spheres is then 18 meters. The tubes connecting the spheres are 23 meters short and 29 meters long. The passage between the spheres is via escalators in these tubes.
The stairs are quite fast, they can travel up to 5 meters per second. But the tubes with these stairs are not ordinary places. You feel like you are in a science fiction movie, the platforms you pass through are constantly changing colors.
You can visit all of the spheres except the three spheres. The first spheres are more of an exhibition area. There are panels, photographs, videos, construction stages, sketches and drawings giving information about the history of the Atomium. Since it is one of the tallest buildings in Brussels, comparisons are also made with other tall buildings in the surrounding area.
One of the spheres makes you feel like you are in a disco. Sit in that sphere and relax for 5 minutes. The music around and the light system moving to the rhythm of the music was really cool.
You can take the elevator to the summit with a panoramic view. The glass top of the elevator you take to the summit causes you to have a strange feeling towards the top. When you get to the top, of course, the Atomium is the tallest building in the area and has a great panoramic view.
You can see Brussels and the surrounding cities 360 degrees as far as the eye can see, but through slightly dark colored glass. It is said that in clear weather you can see as far as the city of Antwerp using telescopes. You can also have a bite to eat and drink in the restaurant on the same floor.
When we came to the end of the Atomium tour, we went outside and got our bags. You had to leave the bags in the lock rooms for 2€ and then you get your 2€ back. Outside the Atomium it says beWelcome just like the IAmsterdam sign. On the other side of the Atomium is a mirrored work called Rockgrowth by Arik Levy.
Panoramic Restaurant
If you visit the Atomium in Brussels, be sure to stop by the Panoramic Restaurant for a meal with a view. The restaurant is located on the top floor of the structure, offering 360-degree views of the city. The menu features traditional Belgian cuisine, and there is also a bar if you just want to relax with a drink and take in the view.
What are the entrance fee and visiting hours of the Atomium?
Atomium entrance fee. If you have a Brussels Card, you benefit from a few euro discount.
Atomium + ADAM: You can buy a combined ticket with the Art and Design Atomium Museum (ADAM). The general content of the museum is plastic collections collected since the 80s. This art museum on plastics is located 150 meters from the Atomium.
Atomium + Mini Europe: This was our choice because we wanted to visit Mini Europe.
If you don’t have Brussels Card, you can see the updated prices and opening hours on official Atomium web site.
Panoramic Restaurant
If you visit the Atomium in Brussels, be sure to stop by the Panoramic Restaurant for a meal with a view. The restaurant is located on the top floor of the structure, offering 360-degree views of the city. The menu features traditional Belgian cuisine, and there is also a bar if you just want to relax with a drink and take in the view.
Where is Atomium? How to get there?
Getting to the Atomium is very easy. Take metro 6 to Heysel / Heizel metro station and walk for 5 minutes.
Conclusion
The Atomium is a must-see attraction when visiting Brussels. An outstanding feat of engineering and architecture, it is a perfect representation of the city’s history and culture. Visitors can explore all the different levels of the building.
There are also many photo opportunities at the Atomium. If you want to learn more about the Atomium or take some great photos, don’t forget to add it to your list of places to visit in Brussels.
