We all know them at least visually, if not from having visited them one day. Over time, some have even become real symbols of their city or country, or even good commercial products in their derivatives. But do we always know their history, if not sometimes their reason for being? Rarely. So let’s go to some of these famous monuments that make up our world.
Go there today Belgium and more particularly its capital Brussels with a rather amazing monument which is the Atomium.
The same fate as the Eiffel Tower…
Ultimately, monuments to the “glory” of science are not very numerous in the world. And if there’s one we often think about in this category, it’s the Atomium by Brussels.
Emblematic of Brussels, it was built for the 1958 Universal Exhibition which highlighted science, the atom and their future (or more precisely imagined at the time) uses.
The whole represents what we call “the traditional network of iron crystals” enlarged 165 billion times. It is composed of nine 18 meter diameter stainless steel spheres connected to each other by 3.30 meter diameter metal tubes. Incredibly tall, it reaches 102 meters.
Like the Eiffel Tower, the Atomium whose name is actually a mixture of words “atom” et “aluminum” (its source material) was intended to be an ephemeral work intended to last simply for the duration of the 1958 Exposition. But, like the Parisian monument, its originality, its popularity and the enthusiasm of the public will soon make the idea take hold of its destruction. abandoned… although for budgetary reasons it was talked about again in the 90s when it was necessary to think about a complete renovation of the monument.
Located on the Heysel plateau, right next to Laeken park, the Atomium with its original architecture between sculpture and architecture is today one of the symbols of Brussels and also of Belgium, to the point of attracting more than 600,000 visitors every year who can access six of its nine spheres are open to the public.
A place of art and culture
In addition to being an emblem and a visual reference point for the city, the Atomium is also a place of art and culture. Exhibitions on various topics related in particular to science, technology and art are presented here. As well as the concerts, shows and other events held there throughout the year.
And then obviously the Atomium is an opportunity to see Brussels “from above” thanks to the view from the top of the structure which, let’s remember, is over 100 metres.
The Atomium in numbers
- 102 meters: the total height of the structure.
- 2,500 tons: the total weight of the building.
- 250 tons: the weight of each sphere.
- 9: the number of spheres that make up the set.
- 2004-2006: the two years of work necessary to renovate the Atomium.
- €16: this is the price for adults to access the monument.