The Atomium to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its renovation with special programme in 2026

Brussels’ landmark Atomium is to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its reopening after major renovation, its management has announced.

“Brighter than ever since 2006” is the title of a year-long programme that combines digital art installations, a new podcast and some 20 special activities at the site that was built in 1958 for the World Exhibition.

Three new digital art installations will be unveiled to the public on 14 February. They are to occupy different spaces within the symbolic structure at Heysel, offering immersive experiences in dialogue with the Atomium’s iconic architecture.

Rotonde by Belgian studio Dirty Monitor reveals the Atomium at nightfall through a circular structure and an original sound composition. Supply Chain by artist Romain Tardy presents an immersive installation combining mirrors, LED modules and original sound design. Nimbus is a monumental work by the Visual System collective that reinterprets the spherical forms to create an immersive light and sound environment.

The Atomium is launching the second season of its podcast, entitled Renovation. It gives a voice to those who participated in or experienced the major refurbishment, including engineers, workers, staff and local residents.

In partnership with Brussels universities ULB and VUB, the landmark site is offering a weekend of activities dedicated to sparking scientific interest among young people. They will also focus on the role of women in the scientific world.

The activity programme includes a collaboration with the Smurfs for a festive family day, while Manneken Pis in the city centre will don a new costume for the occasion. For anyone born on 18 February 2006, free access to the monument is offered throughout the year.

“By celebrating the twenty years since the Atomium’s renovation, we recognise this milestone as a crucial historical step, while reaffirming our commitment to embedding this iconic monument in a dynamic of innovation, creation and transmission for future generations,” said the Atomium’s general director Julie Almau Gonzalez.

Designed by engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak, the Atomium was part of the reconstruction of Brussels following its occupation during World War Two. Built close to the site of the 1958 exhibition, the structure consists of nine aluminium-coated steel spheres, linked by diagonal tubes.

Although some of the spheres originally contained scientific and medical displays, they now feature displays of the style of the 1950s. The Atomium is a reminder of an age when atomic symbols were popular in domestic designs and remains a popular symbol for the Belgian capital.

Photos: ©Atomium