Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1.9. Atomium
The Atomium is one of the most iconic and unusual sights that can be found in Brussels, or
anywhere in Europe for that matter.
This building was designed and constructed by André Waterkeyn especially for 1958's Brus-
sels world fair and it's like no other building out there. The Atomium was going to be pulled
down after the 1958 Expo, but its popularity with locals ensured it remained standing, and
it's now a key local landmark.
Stainless steel cells are connected via tubes so that the whole structure looks like a giant unit
cell. Five of the huge spheres, elevated in the air, are inhabitable and contain exhibition halls
and various other public spaces, while the connecting tubes contain lifts and escalators to
transport people into the various cells.
When travelling to the very top sphere, it is possible to gain a fantastic panorama of the
whole city - an ideal spot for taking photos (the top sphere is 102m (335ft) tall).
