Not a huge amount to do, lots of steep stairs, surly staff
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
THE ATOMIUM
The Atomium is the iconic monument situated on the Heysel plateau in the north of Brussels, which along with the Mannekin Pis, is one of the two sights which have come to symbolised Brussels. It underwent a major renovation operation between 2003 and 2006.
THE IDEA BEHIND THE ATOMIUM The Atomium was designed by André Waterkeyn to be the focal point for the Brussels International Exhibition in 1958. Like the London Eye 40 years later, it was only meant to be in place for a short while, but such was its popularity that has been kept in place until now. The 102 metre high structure represents an iron crystal, magnified by 165 billion times, comprising 9 large spheres and 20 connecting tubes.
WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE There are two routes through the Atomium. One option is to take a lift to the top-most sphere. The lift operator informs you proudly that this was the quickest list in Europe in 1958, when it was built, travelling at 5 metres per second top speed, and covering the 92 metres to the top floor in 23 seconds. In the top sphere, you have a great view over the Bruparck area, Laeken and towards the Brussels skyline, which has changed radically over the last 10 years. There is a self-service cafeteria and a sit-down restaurant on the different floors here.
The other option takes you by a series of escalators and staircases (84 steps going up and 187 going down), up to the central sphere via one of the lower ones. In this first sphere, there is a video showing the construction of the Atomium, although I couldn’t hear any soundtrack, so I don’t know whether this would have been in French, Flemish or English. There was also an exhibition space, currently filled by work by Enrico T Paris, which, according to the blurb, “resemble an extraordinary laboratory that develops via different systems which communicate among themselves and create a completely new poetic environment” - I’m afraid to say that any poetry was completely lost on me – it looked like a load of brightly coloured plastic and metal. There will be a new exhibition from September for the next six months.
The central sphere has a coffee bar which also serves ice cream, which at 2.50 euros for a cornet with 2 scoops was not too pricy considering the location.
IMPRESSIONS Positives i) The first impression is of how awe-inspiring the structure is. It is huge, shiny, simple and in many ways beautiful. ii) If you go with children, the cost is less than you think. It is 9 euros for adults, 7 euros for students and seniors, while children under 12 are free. iii) The views from the top are very good. The little boards that tell you what you can see are clear, and well placed iv) With the renovation, not only are the spheres currently bright and shiny, but they also installed lights which make up a light show at night
Negatives i) There are a lot of stairs which are quite steep, so getting around is not easy for little children or the infirm ii) There is not a huge amount to do inside the structure, and I don’t think many people would go there just to see the exhibitions iii) The toilets on the ground floor are in a different building, and like most places in Belgium you have to pay 0.30 euro to use them iv) The friendliness and helpfulness of the staff there varied markedly, one or two were helpful, but most of them were surly, disinterested and curt. v) Frustratingly one of the other spheres has been designated a children’s sphere, but this is only accessible by school parties. You pass by this sphere on the way down and it looks fun, with a large soft play area, but you can’t go in.
OVERALL Brussels is not blessed with a wealth of great tourist attractions, but the Atomium is probably worth a visit. Don’t get your expectations too high, and you shouldn’t be too disappointed. You can reckon on about an hour to do it, including waiting times for the lift.
PRACTICAL DETAILS Ticket costs: €9 adults, €7 students and seniors, children under 12 free
Getting there: Junction 8 off the Brussels ring (R0), with plenty of car parking. Most is on-street and free, others can cost €3.50
Public transport: metro to Heysel (line 1A), trams to Heysel
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