On April 17th 1958, under a grey sky, Expo 58 opens its doors to visitors for a period of six months. By staging this prestigious exhibition, Belgium wants to show its know-how in such varied fields as atomic energy, metallurgy, urbanism and transport. The Atomium, spectacular symbol of the atomic age is the sole survivor of the 1958 World Fair. It represents an Iron crystal molecule magnified 185 billion times. At a height of 102 meters or 330 feet, the structure consists of nine spheres, each measuring 18 meters or 59 feet in diameter which altogether weighs 2400 tons. Conceived by engineer André Waterkeyn, the iron molecule took 18 months to design and as many months to built. Celebrating it’s 50th anniversary this year many events are taking place until October to commemorate it.

Location:

View Larger Map

Atomium from a distance

A bit closer

From just under the Atomium

Different perspectives of the structure

Inside the Atomium everything is memorabilia dedicated to the Expo ’58

The design and lights of the staircase somewhat made me remember the spaceship in the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey.

More of the Brussels World’s Fair era

Atomium Elevator

Inside another sphere of the Atomium

And up again we go

TV room

More stairs with a Stanley Kubrick feel to them

Atomium Bar

View of some of the spheres around

Back downstairs for the lift to the top. In 1958 this was the fastest in the World which still feels pretty quick 50 years later.

View of the city of Brussels from the top of the Atomium

Mini-Europe, Brupark and the Heysel stadium view from Atomium

The palais du Heysel in the back and the ADAM Museum on the right seen from Atomium

Closer up