Atomium Visitors Guide
Find your way, know what to see in each sphere, and make the most of your visit to this architectural marvel.
A visit to the Atomium is a journey through a unique structure. This guide will help you navigate the spheres, understand the exhibitions, and find practical information for a smooth visit. For more planning details, see our pages on opening hours and the best time to visit.
Inside the Atomium: What to See
The Panoramic Sphere
Your visit starts with a ride in a futuristic, high-speed lift to the top sphere, 92 metres above the ground. Here, you’ll find a 360° panoramic view of Brussels. On a clear day, you can see landmarks across the city and even as far as Antwerp.
Exhibition Spheres
Travel between the other accessible spheres via escalators and stairs. One sphere hosts the permanent exhibition, "Atomium. From symbol to icon," which tells the story of Expo 58 and the building's creation. Other spheres feature rotating temporary exhibitions on art, design, and science, often with stunning light and sound installations.
The Structure Itself
The journey is part of the destination. The tubes connecting the spheres contain some of Europe's longest escalators. Many are illuminated with spectacular light shows, creating a surreal, science-fiction atmosphere as you move from one atom to another.
Getting to the Atomium
The Atomium is located at Heysel Plateau, north of the city centre. The most convenient way to arrive is by public transport.
By Metro: Take line 6 (direction Roi Baudouin / Koning Boudewijn) and get off at Heysel / Heizel station. From the station, it’s a well-signposted 5-minute walk to the Atomium entrance.
By Tram: Line 7 also stops at Heysel, offering another easy public transport option.
Address: Place de l'Atomium 1, 1020 Brussels. Upon arrival, the ticket office is in the pavilion at the foot of the Atomium, while the entrance for ticket holders is directly under the central sphere.
Visitor Questions
Practical information for your trip