Atomium is a steel structure in Brussels. It was constructed in 1958 for the Brussels World Fair.
The theme of the event, also known as Expo 58, was to promote the use of technology for human betterment, not war and weaponry.
Atomium is a riveting building with an intriguing history. The Atomium facts give a good understanding of the structure and those who built it.
Here are some interesting Atomium facts to increase your excitement for a visit:
1) The origin of the word ‘Atomium’
The word ‘Atomium’ combines ‘Atom’ and ‘Aluminum.’
It represents an atom, and the structure was originally made from Aluminum (Aluminium in Europe) sheets.
2) The size of Atomium
Atomium is 102 meters (334 feet) tall. It represents an iron crystal unit, which is why it features 9 spheres.
It is magnified at 165 billion times the size of the original unit.
3) It was not supposed to be a permanent thing
It’s hard to believe, given its popularity today, but the imposing stainless steel structure was only intended to be an attraction for the World Fair.
It was supposed to be dismantled after six months, but due to crowd attention, the date kept getting postponed, and after many such delays, it was decided to cancel the plans for its removal.
4) Support had to be given to Atomium for safety
The Atomium’s original design did not have any support on the three lower outer spheres.
Still, leg support had to be added due to the possibility of high winds to prevent catastrophe.
With the admission ticket, you may unlock Atomium’s amazing facts and get a free trip to the Design Museum for a richer cultural experience.
5) Atomium’s second phase
After 45 years, Atomium had started to deteriorate; the structure faced problems such as corrosion and a lack of public interest. This led to a 2-year renovation.
The aluminum on the spheres was replaced by stainless steel, a new reception pavilion was built along with other minor improvements, and LED lights were installed on the Atomium.
These renovations breathed new life into the structure. It re-opened to the public after two years with better facilities and a new-ish look.
The LED lights switch on as the sun goes down, giving the Atomium a stunning look with the night sky in the background.
6) It has a restaurant!
This is one of the most interesting facts about Atomium.
At Atomium’s very top sphere, you enjoy the exhibitions, views, and scenery, and you can also eat 100 m above ground in the panoramic restaurant.
The panoramic restaurant remains open at night, and guests have the very special opportunity of enjoying a nice meal while looking over the city of Brussels and even other neighboring cities at night.
7) It also has an escalator
This is another one of the facts about the Atomium that surprises people. The structure isn’t exactly like your normal monument.
It was once even voted as Europe’s most bizarre building!
It is still designed optimally to have one of the fastest escalators in the world that transports people right to the top in no time.
Not only does the escalator help in movement, but it also provides beautiful interior views with its design, lighting, and windows.
The beautiful setting inside has even been compared to that of a spaceship.
8) It is situated near a cluster of attractions
Atomium is far from the city center, but you won’t regret making the trip as there are plenty of attractions all around Atomium.
Guests can enjoy a good and fun time here by visiting the Atomium and other historical and cultural buildings nearby.
The most notable of the nearby attractions is Mini-Europe. As the name suggests, it is a park featuring the most famous European buildings’ replicas on a 1:25 scale.
Featured Image: Facebook.com(Atomium.brussels)
