Consider the Atomium a symbol of Brussels. It stands as a testament to a bygone era. The Ypsilon Sculpture is nearby. Let’s delve into its story.
The Atomium isn’t just a building. It is a landmark. It is a monumental structure. It is halfway between sculpture and architecture. The cube flirts with the sphere here. It escapes all forms of classification.
Originally, the Atomium was the flagship building of the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. It was designed to showcase Belgian engineering skills. It was a tribute to scientific progress. The Atomium was not meant to last beyond the fair. Its popularity made it a major part of Brussels.
The Atomium is now an international symbol and icon. It stands 102 meters tall. It is one of the tallest structures in Belgium. Its nine spheres are connected. They form a unit cell of an iron crystal. This crystal is magnified 165 billion times.
Inside, stairs, escalators, and a lift connect the spheres. Six spheres are visitable. They contain exhibit halls and public spaces. The top sphere offers a restaurant with panoramic views. Jacques Delens and BESIX renovated the building between 2004 and 2006.
The name Atomium combines atom and aluminium. The spheres were initially covered with aluminium. Both French and Dutch names are official. The Atomium highlights humanity’s advance in science. This includes nuclear physics. Belgium used uranium from the Belgian Congo. It was used for nuclear fission.
The Atomium promotes the post-war ideal. This ideal peacefully applies atomic research. It improves lives. It serves the betterment of mankind. The nine spheres represent iron atoms. They form a body-centered cubic unit cell.
The construction was a technical feat. André Waterkeyn presented the first project. André and Jean Polak were responsible for the architectural transposition. The foundations launched in March 1956. The building completed less than a month before Expo 58.
Only six spheres are accessible to the public. The tubes connecting the spheres are 3 meters in diameter. The central tube had Europe’s fastest lift. It allowed 22 people to reach the summit in 23 seconds.
The original design lacked leg supports. Wind tunnel tests proved it would topple. Support columns were added for stability. The city authorities decided to keep the Atomium.
A comprehensive renovation was needed by the turn of the millennium. Faded aluminium sheets were replaced with stainless steel. A new reception pavilion was built.
In 2005, new outdoor lighting was tested. LED lighting illuminates the bulbs at night. The lights can flash. This symbolizes the range of an electron. Ingo Maurer created lighting objects for the interior.
In 2006, Prince Philippe reopened the Atomium. Pieces of the old aluminium plates were sold as souvenirs. A 2 euro commemorative coin was issued.
The Atomium is the most popular tourist attraction in Brussels. It welcomes over 600000 visitors per year. It is an art center. Over half the building is dedicated to exhibitions. These exhibitions focus on Belgium and digital arts.
The bottom sphere holds exhibitions about the 1950s. It focuses on Expo 58. It also focuses on the building’s construction. The second sphere hosts temporary exhibitions. The third and central spheres are for events. The top sphere holds a restaurant. The sixth sphere is the kids’ sphere.
The Atomium stands as more than metal and spheres. It embodies dreams, progress, and the spirit of a nation. The Ypsilon Sculpture can wait. Take one last look at this giant.