Brussels’ Atomium has shortened its operating hours because the scorching temperatures are making its steel interior exceptionally hot. A statement on its website announced, “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.”
As a result, the attraction was open only from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm on 30 June, 1 July, and 2 July. This measure comes after a heatwave struck Europe, with temperatures exceeding 37 degrees Celsius in Brussels. The Atomium remained closed for the rest of the above-mentioned days. The last entry for visitors is at 1:00 PM.
For those who have already purchased tickets online, the statement confirmed that they can reschedule their visit anytime during 2025. This policy aims to accommodate visitors affected by the unexpected closures and ensure they can still experience the iconic landmark later in the year.
This is the second time that the landmark has opted to close its doors to the public due to extreme heat with the first recorded case in 2019. That earlier closure was similarly prompted by a heatwave that made the steel structure’s interior uncomfortably warm, highlighting the recurring challenge of managing visitor safety during extreme weather.
On 1 July, the temperatures in Brussels rose to 34.7 °C in Uccle, surpassing the previous record of 34.5 °C set on 1 July 2015. The Royal Meteorological Institute (RMI) anticipated that many areas will see maximum temperatures exceeding 35 °C, with some localized areas potentially reaching over 37 °C.
To mitigate risk, Brussels authorities have implemented heat measures to safeguard vulnerable people. For instance, kindergartens without air conditioning may temporarily close while social workers would be checking on elderly residents. Additionally, an orange heat warning has been issued, leading to train cancellations due to concerns that the high temperatures could compromise the stability of railway infrastructure.
“Global warming is caused by humans, and as a result, extreme heat is becoming more common,” stated Clare Nullis, spokesperson for the World Meteorological Organisation (WOM). “We have to learn to live with this.”
The scorching temperatures are sweeping across Europe, causing wildfires in countries like France. Similar to Brussels’ Atomium, the top of the Eiffel Tower has been closed, and over 1,000 schools across France have shut their doors. In Portugal and Spain, temperatures have even soared past 40°C. Local authorities there are urging residents to stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and keep their living spaces cool with fans and air conditioning.
