Atomium
Brussel · Atomiumsquare 1, Brussel
50.89500, 4.34150 · Open on OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
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Why the Atomium is such an attractive subject for architectural photography
The Atomium stands in Brussel as an iron crystal magnified to nearly a hundred metres tall. Nine steel spheres connected by tubes you can walk through. It is a building that is simultaneously a museum, a monument and a sculpture. For architectural photography it is an unusual place: there is no 'wrong side', but there is certainly a best side, a best light and a best moment.
The structure has something timelessly retro-futuristic about it. The rounded forms, the gleaming steel and the symmetry make it a rewarding subject. You can go wide with a wide-angle lens, but you can also zoom in on details: bolts, seams, the way the tubes disappear into the spheres. With a 70-200mm you can bring out patterns that are not obvious up close.
Blue hour and artificial light
The Atomium is lit up in the evening, and the blue hour is when that works best. The sky still has colour, the artificial light of the spheres comes through beautifully, and you do not have to choose between a dark sky and overexposed lighting. Set up your tripod, work at ISO 100 or 200 and take your time. The reflections on the steel surface change constantly as the daylight fades, so shoot at several different moments.
During the day the Atomium is photogenic too, but the light is flatter. In overcast conditions you can make clean, neutral shots without harsh shadows. In full sun the reflections on the steel can be too intense, but you can also get interesting contrasts.
Position and composition
The square in front of the Atomium, the Atomiumsquare, gives you room to step back. From the west, near the entrance, you have the most classic angle. The rear is quieter and lets you place the structure in a different context, with greenery in the background. Walk around to the sides as well for a less familiar angle.
Low viewpoints work well: crouch down or place the camera almost on the ground for a strong upward perspective. A wide-angle between 16 and 24mm gives dramatic lines. Watch out for clutter in the foreground, as the square has bike racks, bins and sometimes a lot of tourists.
Practical information
The Atomium is located in Laeken, in the north of Brussel. You can get there by metro, line 6 towards Roi Baudouin, stop Atomium. Parking is available nearby, but the area is busy at weekends. The interior of the building is accessible with a ticket; for outdoor photography you do not need a permit. On public holidays and weekends it is busy during the day, while the blue hour in the evening is generally quieter.
Sources and further reading
Other photo locations in Brussel
World-famous square with gilded guild houses
Triumphal arch and park views
One of the largest art deco churches in the world
Garden with a view over the city and its towers
Flowing art nouveau facades and interiors by Horta
Covered shopping arcade with a glass roof
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors · Weather: Open-Meteo (open data)
See also
Golden Hour & Blue Hour
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Celestial Events Calendar: Eclipses & Meteor Showers
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