Mini-Europe

Mini-Europe opened in 1989 at the foot of the Atomium and holds around three hundred and fifty models of buildings and landmarks from across the European Union at a scale of 1:25, built with a good deal of care and in some cases from the original materials, laid out along a path through planted grounds. A number of them work: the Vesuvius model erupts, a Ariane rocket launches, the Berlin Wall falls at the press of a button, gondolas move in Venice and trains run. There is an exhibition on the European Union at the end. It is aimed squarely at families and is one of the more visited attractions in Brussels, with the Atomium immediately above it and combined tickets available.

History

The Dutch businessman Johannes A. Lorijn conceived a miniature park on the Heysel site in 1986, and after he withdrew, the Walibi group under Eddy Meeùs bought the business in June 1988. It was built on the site of the old Meli Heysel amusement park, for an investment of 50 million Belgian francs, and opened in 1989 as part of the Bruparck leisure park, inaugurated by Prince Philippe (Wikipedia, Mini-Europe).

What's there

• Around 350 landmark models - buildings from across the union at 1:25.
• Working mechanisms - erupting volcano, launching rocket, moving trains.
• The Atomium above - the 1958 structure standing over the park.
• Planted grounds - the models set among trees and beds.

When to go

April to September; it closes for part of the winter and hours are shorter at the edges of the season. Two to three hours. It is outdoors, so weather matters. Belgian school holidays are busiest.

What to expect

It is outdoors and rain ruins it. Ticket prices are high. It is aimed at children and adults alone will find it thin. Models require constant maintenance and some are always under repair. The Atomium is a separate ticket unless combined.

Nearby

The Atomium stands directly above; the Royal Greenhouses are nearby in Laeken.

Key facts