Design Museum Brussels

Design Museum Brussels sits in Heysel Park, just a short walk from the Atomium — one of those museums travelers often overlook when they build their Brussels itinerary around the Atomium alone, which is a shame given how much it has to offer to anyone curious about design.

What does the museum focus on?

The institution's collection and programming center on design objects and projects from the 20th and 21st centuries. The exhibition space covers roughly 5,000 m² (about 54,000 sq ft), large enough to display substantial collections without the cramped feel typical of smaller specialty galleries. In 2019 the museum welcomed around 126,000 visitors, a figure that shows steady interest from both tourists and Brussels locals despite the museum sitting slightly outside the city's historic center.

Why did the name change?

Until 2020 the museum operated under a different name: the Art and Design Atomium Museum, or ADAM. The rebrand to Design Museum Brussels was meant to sharpen the institution's identity and make its focus clearer to visitors, since the previous name could suggest a closer tie to the neighboring Atomium than actually existed. The change reflects a broader pattern among design museums worldwide, which increasingly favor names that state their collection's focus plainly rather than borrowing recognition from a nearby landmark.

Who leads the museum?

Arnaud Bozzini serves as the museum's director. Under this leadership, the institution manages both its temporary exhibition program and the growth of its permanent collection, positioning Design Museum Brussels as one of the more notable design-focused institutions in the Benelux region.

Why pair a visit with the Atomium?

The short distance to the Atomium makes for a practical stop on any day trip to Heysel Park. Rather than limiting a visit to the Atomium structure alone, it's worth setting aside extra time for the design museum — both attractions share the same park complex, which keeps travel time between them to a minimum.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Design Museum Brussels located? The museum is located in Heysel Park in Brussels, right next to the Atomium.

How large is the museum? Its exhibition space covers approximately 5,000 m² (54,000 sq ft).

What was the museum previously called? Until 2020 it was known as the Art and Design Atomium Museum (ADAM).

How many people visit the museum each year? In 2019 the museum recorded about 126,000 visitors.

Who directs the museum? Arnaud Bozzini is the director of Design Museum Brussels.