Worth seeing in combination with the Atomium, ADAM features a surprisingly intriguing collection of classic plastic: the 1965 Universale, which was the first plastic chair; enduringly popular stackable Vignelli tableware, designed in 1964; late-'60s inflatable furniture; and much, much more. The museum celebrates the affordable, democratic and playful side of plastic, but is a little light on the environmental impact of the stuff. A regular contemporary-design event – Design Generations – showcases the work of Belgian designers across all disciplines.
ADAM
Brussels
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
28.9 MILES
Art enthusiasts swarm the Sint-Baafskathedraal to glimpse The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (De Aanbidding van het Lams God), a lavish representation of…
22.27 MILES
The medieval building and 1622 courtyard garden alone would be worth a visit, but it's the world's oldest printing press, priceless manuscripts and…
3.9 MILES
This 1899 former department store is an art nouveau showpiece with a black facade aswirl with wrought iron and arched windows. The building contains the…
3.58 MILES
Brussels’ magnificent Grand Place is one of the world’s most unforgettable urban ensembles. Oddly hidden, the enclosed cobblestone square is only revealed…
3.89 MILES
Strap on a pair of headphones, then step on the automated floor panels in front of the precious instruments (including world instruments and Adolphe Sax’s…
5.13 MILES
The typically austere exterior doesn’t give much away, but Victor Horta’s former home (designed and built 1898–1901) is an art nouveau jewel. The…
5.09 MILES
One of Brussels’ overlooked architectural wonders, this splendid Napoleon III–style palace
29.33 MILES
Set on the grounds of a former Cistercian Abbey, this 65-hectare park is home to more than 5000 animals (including pandas, koalas, gorillas and lemurs)…
Nearby Brussels attractions
0.22 MILES
The space-age Atomium looms 102m over north Brussels’ suburbia, resembling a steel alien from a '60s Hollywood movie. It consists of nine house-sized…
0.22 MILES
The distinctive 1930 art-deco Palais du Centenaire features a pyramid of terraced tiers capped by statues.
0.3 MILES
Want to fool your friends that you saw all of Europe? Easy. Just photograph the dozens of 1:25-scale models of the continent’s top monuments at Mini…
0.66 MILES
Built in 1725, this chateau is a residence of the Belgian royal family and has been used to house visiting dignitaries. It is not open to the public.
0.71 MILES
The Parc de Laeken starts opposite the Domaine Royal and stretches to the Atomium. Dotted with chestnut and magnolia trees, its focal point is Léopold I's…
0.72 MILES
A residence of the Belgian royal family, the eighteenth-century villa is not open to the public.
0.84 MILES
The Pavillon Chinois is a Léopold II leftover, built after he saw similar at the 1890 Paris World's Fair. It is a gloriously glittering structure and…
0.87 MILES
Closed at the time of writing for restoration, so check in advance before visiting. A pair of East Asian pagodas form the key attractions here. Both are…