Atomium, Exhibition hall and history museum in Heysel District, Belgium.
The Atomium comprises nine connected metallic spheres reaching 102 meters high, representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times through geometric precision.
Engineers constructed the Atomium for the 1958 Brussels World Fair as a representation of scientific advancement, with aluminum panels later replaced by stainless steel.
The structure contains six public spheres with exhibition spaces dedicated to Belgian heritage and digital arts, plus a restaurant offering Brussels panoramas.
Visitors access different spheres through tubes containing escalators and elevators, with operating hours from 10:00 to 18:00 and limited wheelchair accessibility.
The Atomium features the fastest elevator from 1958, reaching speeds of 5 meters per second through the connecting tubes between spheres.
Location: City of Brussels
Inception: 1955
Architects: André and Jean Polak
Official opening: April 17, 1958
Architectural style: surrealism
Height: 102 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Address: Pl. de l'Atomium 1, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium 1020 Bruxelles
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00
Phone: +3224754775
Website: https://atomium.be
GPS coordinates: 50.89500,4.34139
Latest update: May 27, 2025 17:30
20th and 21st-century architecture has transformed city centers with structures that push engineering boundaries. Observation towers like the Seattle Space Needle and experimental residential complexes like Habitat 67 in Montreal demonstrate the evolution of construction techniques. Architects have explored new forms using materials such as steel, glass, and concrete, creating structures that meet the growing demands of metropolitan areas. This collection includes buildings that marked their time with innovative design. In Barcelona, Antoni Gaudí's Casa Milà features a wavy facade that breaks traditional norms, while in London, 30 St Mary Axe incorporates energy-saving technologies into its 180-meter structure. From Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum clad in titanium to artificial islands shaped in the Persian Gulf in Dubai, these projects illustrate the diversity of architectural approaches worldwide. Each building reflects its urban context while offering solutions to technical and functional challenges of its era.
This collection presents significant architectural works from different periods and continents. From medieval cathedrals to contemporary skyscrapers, the selection documents the technical and aesthetic development of building design. The listed buildings were created by influential architects and have shaped the evolution of modern architecture. The list includes religious structures such as Gothic churches and monasteries, public facilities like museums and concert halls, and residential buildings that established new construction standards. Each building demonstrates particular structural solutions or stylistic features that contribute to understanding architectural history. The selection offers insights into various building styles, materials and construction methods.
Brussels presents historical buildings, museums and parks. The city combines the Royal Palace, Grand Place, Atomium and numerous art museums. Gothic cathedrals, Palace of Justice and urban planning ensembles shape the cityscape.
These structures demonstrate the boundaries of architectural design. From the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco to the Lotus Temple in New Delhi, architecture takes unconventional forms. The buildings combine technical innovation with artistic expression.
Brussels offers locations for photography, from the Art Nouveau houses to the medieval Grand Place. The city presents Gothic churches, neoclassical palaces, modern buildings, and urban landscapes. Discover architectural elements across different periods, gardens, and cultural venues that make Brussels a destination for photographers.
King Baudouin Stadium
519 m
Mini-Europe
216 m
Belvédère Castle
1 km
Océade
319 m
Kinepolis Brussels
284 m
Stadion Heysel
519 m
Laeken Park
578 m
American Theatre
766 m
Brussels Planetarium
336 m
Monument to the Dynasty
977 m
Design Museum Brussels
296 m
Bruparck
150 m
Meli Heysel
196 m
Benelux Fountain
441 m
Pavilion of Public Architecture
321 m
Charles de Brouckère Fountain
665 m
Sobieski Bridge
920 m
Sainte-Anne fountain
1.2 km
Petit Heysel
786 m
Osseghem Park
364 m
Jardin Colonial
779 m
Sobieski Park
1 km
Passerelle Ossegempark
331 m
Church of the Divine Child Jesus
948 m
Kinepolis Bruxelles
130 m
Sobieski Park and Colonial Garden of Laken
955 m
Square Palfyn - Palfynsquare
840 m
Square Clémentine - Clementinasquare
1.2 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes