Atomium

Built for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo '58), the 103-meter (335-foot) tall Atomium monument represents a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.

Related Topics:
1958 - Brussels - World's Fair - Expo '58 - Monument - Unit cell - Iron - Crystal

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Nine steel spheres 18 meters in diameter connect via tubes with escalators as long as 114.8 ft., among the longest in Europe. Windows in the top sphere provide a panoramic view of Brussels. Other spheres have 1950s exhibitions. Three upper spheres lacking vertical support are not open to the public for safety reasons.

Related Topics:
Steel - Sphere - Brussels - 1950s

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Planned originally to last only six months, architect André Waterkeyn's design has survived to become a popular tourist attraction that some feel is a Belgian national icon rivalling Manneken Pis. It sits just next to the King Baudouin stadium in Heysel Park.

Related Topics:
André Waterkeyn - Tourist - Manneken Pis - Heysel Park

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Beginning in March 2004, much-needed renovation work has included replacing faded aluminum sheets on the balls with stainless steel. To help pay for renovations, the old aluminum has been sold to the public as souvenirs. A triangular piece about 6 1/2 feet long sold for $1,300. The Atomium will be closed for the public between October 2004 and January 2006.

Related Topics:
March 2004 - 2006

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