Brussels’ iconic Atomium is adjusting its visiting hours as soaring temperatures transform the famed steel structure into a veritable oven. With an announcement made on its official website, the attraction stated, “Due to extreme heat and the structural limitations of the building, the indoor temperature at the Atomium will be particularly high in the coming days.”
An iconic landmark facing heat challenges
Recognized as one of Belgium’s most famous landmarks, the Atomium is a monumental representation of an iron molecule, its nine atoms arranged in a cube and magnified 165 billion times. Constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (Expo 58), it was never designed to accommodate extreme heat conditions. The unique stainless-steel spheres, while visually striking, absorb and retain heat, resulting in an uncomfortable interior during periods of high temperatures.
Adjusted visiting hours and visitor accommodations
In response to the heatwave, the Atomium will open at 10 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m. until Wednesday, with the last entry permitted at 1 p.m. The statement also reassured guests that those who have already purchased tickets online can reschedule their visits at any time throughout 2025.
This situation is notable as it marks only the second occasion that the Atomium has altered its hours due to excessive heat, the first instance occurring in 2019. Belgium, mirroring the broader European experience, is currently experiencing a significant heatwave, with the Royal Meteorological Institute issuing an orange alert for both Tuesday and Wednesday as temperatures approach 37°C.
In Brussels, local authorities are implementing various heat-mitigation strategies aimed at protecting vulnerable populations. Measures include the temporary closure of crèches lacking air conditioning, outreach teams distributing water to the homeless, and social workers checking in on elderly residents to ensure their wellbeing during this extreme weather.