1. Brussels: Atomium Entry Ticket with Design Museum Ticket
The Atomium symbolizes an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times, referring to the power of nuclear energy that in 1958 was intended for peaceful use. Today it carries on the debate of 1958: What kind of future do we want for tomorrow? It was not intended that the Atomium survive beyond the 1958 World Fair but its popularity soon made it a key landmark, first in Brussels, and then internationally. It has become one of the icons of Brussels, and since its inspired restoration in 2006, it is referred to as the most Belgian of monuments. The panorama alone is worth a trip to the Atomium. Thanks to its location on a naturally elevated plateau on the outskirts of town, the Atomium offers the only true 360-degree panoramic view of the 19 municipalities of Brussels. The permanent exhibition, Atomium, tells the history of this pavilion. This year there are also two temporary exhibitions. The first, ID#2021, is an immersive experience. Discover an exciting sound and light digital creation. The second, View from My Window, consists of a selection of more than 400 photographs depicting a Belgian success story that started with a Facebook group initiated in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic. The audio-visual installations, prints, webcams, and time-lapses give you an insight into the perspectives of the individuals involved. At 95 meters above ground in the top sphere of the monument, the Atomium Restaurant offers an extraordinary experience. Whether you choose Belgian specialties or seasonal dishes, Alexandre Masson revisits tradition, with the clouds at hand.