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Discover Benelux | Feature | Atomium
A T O M I U M :
As futuristic now as it was in 1958 TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE | PRESS PHOTOS
Brussels 1958. Europe is back on its feet and the world is looking towards Belgium. It is the World Fair. With both East and West represented, the Expo’s title “A World View: A New Humanism” is seen as a statement of hope, future peace and prosperity.
Hire a sphere for your business events where up to 200 people can attend. Photo: Axel Addington
EXPO 58 welcomed 42 million visitors to the pavilions of 46 nationalities, drastically changing the architectural landscape of Brussels. As is common for the World Expo, the Belgian Pavilion, the Atomium, was originally built as a 6-month temporary structure, but as Inge Van Eycken, press officer at the eye-catching building, explains: “It was just too popular. It immediately became regarded as a symbol of Belgium so it was decided that it should stay. It’s been open ever since, but during 2004 and 2006 it was renovated – remember, it was already pretty old!” Today, the humongous spaceship-esque structure still delights and astounds its 600,000 visitors every year. According to Van Eycken, visitors’ jaws literally drop as they are faced with the momentous size of the nine interconnected spheres in Brussels’ Heysel Park. “You hear them gasp, amazed by its futuristic architecture. It’s just so unique – people ask if it’s going to take off!” Her advice to visitors? “Seriously, just walk slowly,” she pleads, “the inside is just as special as the outside.” Details on the banisters of the stairs and escalators which connect the spheres are definitely worth noticing, and one of the escalator tunnels plays host to an awe-inspiring light and sound installation, referred to by kids as the ‘disco escalator’. Six of the nine spheres can be explored, including a restaurant, a 92m high panorama sphere and one designated for conference hire. “It’s definitely somewhere special to hold a meeting or dinner for any business.
TV recordings, music videos, telecommunication companies – we’ve had them all,” recounts Van Eycken. The lowest sphere houses the vast permanent exhibition dedicated to Expo 58, and two other spheres offer temporary design, fine art and architecture exhibitions. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for primary school children involves an overnight stay in one of the spheres, sleeping inside spe-
cial pods for 3 children. Activities and catering ensure that the stay is as comfortable as possible – although they’ll no doubt be too excited to sleep much. The academic year 2014/2015 still has some nights available. As the structure was built in 1958, wheelchair access is limited but Van Eycken guarantees that any extra needs can be met. www.atomium.be
Issue 9 | September 2014 | 65