Point of interest
Atomium
in Brussels, Belgium
This 102-metre structure from the 1958 World Fair models an iron crystal magnified billions of times, with a panoramic view of the city from its top sphere.
Where it is
In the Heysel/Heizel district in the north of Brussels, on the former World's Fair grounds along the Boulevard du Centenaire.
Address: Avenue de l'Atomium - Atomiumlaan, 1020 Brussels
What it is
Its nine connected steel spheres house exhibition spaces, a restaurant and a top sphere with panoramic views over Brussels. One of the country's most-visited landmarks, it combines architecture, design history and rotating exhibitions.
History
The Atomium was designed by engineer André Waterkeyn for the 1958 World's Fair (Expo 58) and represents a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Intended only to last for the duration of the Expo, it survived and was fully renovated in 2004-2006.