Atomium

The Atomium stands on the Heysel Plateau in northern Brussels, built for the 1958 World’s Fair to celebrate scientific progress. Designed by engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak, it represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The structure rises 102 metres with nine stainless-steel spheres linked by steel tubes containing stairs, escalators and a lift. Six spheres are open to visitors, housing exhibition halls, a restaurant and public spaces. The top sphere offers a panoramic view of the city. Its name blends ‘atom’ and ‘aluminium’, reflecting both its theme and original cladding.

The Atomium symbolises Belgium’s post-war confidence in science and engineering. It was intended to last only six months but survived due to its popularity. The building’s construction involved complex engineering, including wind-tunnel tests to ensure stability. After decades of neglect, a major renovation between 2004 and 2006 restored its faded aluminium cladding to stainless steel. The project also added new lighting that mimics electrons orbiting a nucleus. The renovation was partly funded by selling souvenir pieces of the old cladding.

Visitors reach the spheres via Europe’s fastest lift or long escalators in the connecting tubes. The open spheres display exhibits on science and design, while the restaurant in the top sphere provides a 360-degree view. The surrounding area includes a concrete esplanade with benches and a large step leading to the north-east. At night, the building’s LED lighting illuminates each sphere, creating a striking visual effect. The Atomium remains a landmark of Brussels, drawing over 600,000 visitors yearly.