ADAM

Brussels


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.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Brussels attractions

1. Atomium

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…

2. Palais du Centenaire

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The distinctive 1930 art-deco Palais du Centenaire features a pyramid of terraced tiers capped by statues.

3. Mini Europe

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…

4. Château Stuyvenberg

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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.

5. Parc de Laeken

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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…

6. Villa Belvédère

0.72 MILES

A residence of the Belgian royal family, the eighteenth-century villa is not open to the public.

7. Pavillon Chinois

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…

8. Musées d’Extrême-Orient

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…