Everything about The Atomium totally explained
The
Atomium is a monument built for
Expo '58, the
1958 Brussels World's Fair. Designed by
André Waterkeyn, it's 102-
metre (335-feet) tall, with nine
steel spheres connected so that the whole forms the shape of a
unit cell of an
iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
Tubes which connect the spheres along the 12 edges of the cube and all eight vertices to the centre enclose
escalators connecting the spheres which contain exhibit halls and other public spaces. The top sphere provides a
panoramic view of Brussels. Each sphere is 18 metres in diameter. Three spheres are currently (2008) closed to the visitors, others are easily reachable with escalator. The vertical vertex contains a lift which was considered very fast and advanced at the time of building (the speed is 5 m/s).
History
One of the original ideas for Expo '58 was to build an upside-down version of the
Eiffel tower; however, Waterkeyn felt that an atomic structure would be more symbolic of the era. The monument was originally planned to remain standing only six months. However, it soon became a symbol not only of the World's Fair, but of modern architecture and Brussels. The monument stayed the same for almost 50 years.
Renovation
Renovation on the Atomium began in March 2004; it was closed to the public in October, and remained closed until
18 February 2006. The renovations included replacing the faded aluminium sheets on the spheres with stainless steel. To help pay for renovations, the old aluminium has been sold to the public as souvenirs. A triangular piece about 2 m long sold for €1,000.
The renovation includes revamped exhibition spaces, a restaurant, and a
dormitory for visiting schoolchildren called "Kids Sphere Hotel" which features suspended plastic sphere towers.
Post Renovation
The Atomium is one of the most visited attractions in Brussels today. In 2008, the Atomium will celebrate its 50th Birthday, with activities planned all year, including free admission for those turning 50 between April and October.
Location
The Atomium is located at, beside the
King Baudouin Stadium in
Heysel Park. Just next to it lies the
Mini-Europe park and the
Heysel/Heizel metro station.
Safety Features
The three uppermost spheres lack vertical support and hence are not open to the public for safety reasons.
The original design called for no supports, the structure was simply to rest on the spheres. Wind tunnel tests proved that the structure would have toppled in a 80 kph wind (140 kph winds have been recorded in Belgium). Support columns were added to achieve enough resistance against overturning.
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Gallery
Image:Atomium_by_night.jpg|The Atomunium by night (after 2006 renovation)
Image:atomium-sm.jpg|The Atomium (before 2006 renovation)
Image:Viewofatomiumarea.jpg| View of MiniEuropa Park and King Baudouin Stadium
Image:€2 commemorative coin Belgium 2006.jpg|€2 commemorative coin for the renovation, pressed in March 2006
Image:Atomiumstukje in Delft.jpg|One of the faded aluminium sheets of the Atomium, displayed at the Delft University of Technology
Image:TheAtomium2007.jpg|The Atomium by day (2007)
Further Information
Get more info on 'Atomium'.
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