Brussels Expo is the primary exhibition venue in Brussels, located on the Heysel/Heizel plateau in Laeken, opposite the Atomium. Founded after the 1935 World Fair, it offers around 115,000 sqm across twelve halls, the largest exhibition space in the Benelux, and hosts fairs including Batibouw (construction) and Seafood Expo Global, alongside major concerts and events.
The venue
The twelve halls range from around 7,900 to over 13,000 sqm, complemented by conference areas, two auditoria and the Astrid Hall. Several of the halls are the emblematic Art Deco palaces built for the 1935 World Fair, giving the venue distinctive architecture. The ING Arena (formerly Palais 12) seats up to around 15,000 for concerts and large events, so the site combines trade-fair and major-entertainment use.
Exhibiting and stand-building context
Brussels Expo's flagship Batibouw is a large, nine-day construction and home fair with showroom-style stands built for sustained public footfall, while other fairs bring trade and food-service briefs. The historic palace halls have their own architectural characteristics that affect stand design, and the venue's technical rules govern build-up. Exhibitors confirm hall placement and logistics well in advance, particularly for long-running fairs.
Getting there
The Heysel plateau is served by Brussels metro and tram lines with stations at the site, and is close to the ring road, with Brussels Airport a short transfer away. Its position by the Atomium and the surrounding parkland makes it a well-known and accessible city landmark for visitors.