Mini-Europe

A trip to Mini-Europe is an educational, fun and bizarre experience all at once. Make your way to this outdoor museum to wander between miniature models of the Arc de Triomphe, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Big Ben among other iconic structures.Ever since work on the models began in 1989, a lot of time, effort and money has gone into the production of this museum which showcases the architectural (and other) wonders of Europe. Over 80 cities are featured and there are 350 models in total. It’s not a case of stale reproductions either: there is an interactive model of an erupting Mt Vesuvius, as well as moving trains and other forms of transportation to keep you on your toes.The models are made principally of resin, polyester and stone, and then painted in great detail. Lighting and other decorations are then added on site. At a scale of 1:25, the highlights of the European continent are small enough to walk around and take in, but large enough for details to be perceived. A lot of thought has clearly gone into their creation, right down to details like Big Ben’s chimes or the sweet sounds of mandolins wafting from the Venetian quarter.Mini-Europe is not just for lazy travellers either it has a strong focus on information and education. Signs offer useful historical information and allow visitors to learn more about the huge range of architecture and monuments that Europe has to offer. It’s not every day that you can travel across the entirety of a continent and compare the idiosyncrasies of myriad different countries in just a few hours.It goes without saying that Mini-Europe provides endless great photo opportunities, so don’t forget to pack your camera. At 4 metres in height, the Eiffel Tower has never seemed so small – or maybe you’ve never seemed so tall… The on-site European Tavern serves food if you’re feeling hungry after your day of globe-trotting.You’ll find Mini-Europe just beneath the Atomium. Take the metro or drive to get here. There is no parking at Mini-Europe, although you should be able to find a paid parking space along one of the nearby streets. The museum is open daily and there is a small charge to enter.