The Atomium was built as the centrepiece of the 1958 International Exhibition held in Brussels. Just like the Eiffel Tower, it decided to stay around and live a life independent of the International Exhibition and has now become a symbol of Brussels.
The Atomium was named by combining the word Atom (reflecting the crystal structure of the iron atom chosen as its shape) and the ending of Aluminium to represent the aluminium cladding used to cover the structure. The building fell into disrepair, but was restored in 2005. During the restoration, the aluminium cladding was replaced by Stainless Steel sheeting. Nobody changed the name.
It is fun inside, with a lot of information about the 1958 IE including the fact that Australia did not attend – something about not being part of the modern world under Menzies – and interesting lighting in the journey through the tubes between the spheres.
At the top is, of course, a restaurant which we had to try.
