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Atomium

Léopold II bequeathed the 202-hectare (500-acre) estate of Heysel to the city of Brussels in 1909. The large exhibition spaces are located here, to the northwest of the centre. Its most famous landmark, however, is the Atomium - a giant model of an oxygen molecule, built for the 1958 World Fair as a temporary structure, although never fully dismantled. It reopened in February 2006 following extensive renovation, including replacement of its metal 'skin'. The highest sphere gives a panoramic view of the entire region; the base sphere has an exhibition on Expo 58 and the centre also hosts temporary exhibitions.

Address: 
Square de l'Atomium,
Boulevard du Centenaire,
Brussels,
Belgium
Telephone: 
02 475 4775.
Website: 
www.atomium.be
Opening times: 

Daily 1000-1800.

Admission fees: 

Yes.

Disabled access: 
Yes
Unesco: 
No

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