Atomium

The engineer André Waterkeyn and the architects André and Jean Polak designed the Atomium for Expo 58, the Brussels World's Fair. It was supposed to be dismantled after six months, but it proved so popular that it was kept. Its nine spheres, each 18 metres across, are arranged like the atoms of an iron crystal, connected by tubes containing escalators and stairs.

Six of the spheres are open to visitors. When it was built, the lift in the central tube was the fastest in Europe and the escalators among the longest, and the ride up is still part of the experience. The top sphere offers panoramic views over Brussels and has a restaurant, and the other spheres host exhibitions about the building and Expo 58 as well as temporary shows. Between 2004 and 2006 the faded aluminium skin was replaced with stainless steel and LED lighting was added, so the spheres now gleam by day and sparkle at night.

On Tiqets you can buy an admission ticket for the Atomium together with the Design Museum Brussels next door, or a combination with Belgian Beer World.

The Atomium stands on the Heysel plateau in Laeken, in the north of Brussels, with Mini-Europe right beside it. The views from the top sphere are best on a clear day; at weekends and in school holidays, come early to avoid waiting for the lift.