Atomium

The name Atomium (pronounced {{IPAc-en|ə|ˈ|t|oʊ|m|iː|ə|m}} {{respell|ə|TOH|mee-əm}}) is a portmanteau combining the words atom and aluminium, the metal with which the spheres were initially covered. The Brussels-Capital Region is bilingual; hence, both the monument's French and Dutch names—{{lang|fr|l'Atomium}} and {{lang|nl|het Atomium}}—are official. In French, {{lang|fr|l'Atomium}} (pronounced {{IPA|fr|atɔmjɔm|}}) is used both in the masculine and in the feminine, even if the monument's official team prefers the feminine.{{Cite AV media |title=Atomium : masculin ou féminin? / "de" of "het"? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erZWWN-qFMY |language=fr |via=YouTube |access-date=2022-04-09}}{{Cite tweet |user=atomium |number=405987608884699136 |date=November 28, 2013 |title=@wielerman @_libu_ Masculin ET féminin comme un ou une après-midi ensoleillé(e) nous disons une Atomium mais chacun est libre #atomium |trans-title=Masculine AND feminine like one or a sunny afternoon we say an Atomium but everyone is free #atomium |access-date=2022-04-09 |language=fr}} In Dutch, {{lang|nl|het Atomium}} (pronounced {{IPA|nl|aːˈtoːmijəm|}}) is neuter. In English, it is usually referred to with the definite article 'the' in front: the Atomium.

The Atomium was built as the main pavilion and icon of the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo 58). The subject was chosen to represent the enthusiasm of the Atomic Age. In the 1950s, faith in scientific progress was great, and a structure depicting atoms was intended to highlight humanity's advances in science, including nuclear physics, which Belgium had been an avid practitioner of ever since uranium from the Belgian Congo became the dominant source of material used for nuclear fission, including that used for the world's first nuclear weapons.{{Cite web |last=Swain |first=Frank |title=The forgotten mine that built the atomic bomb |url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200803-the-forgotten-mine-that-built-the-atomic-bomb |access-date=2022-07-20 |publisher=BBC |language=en}} With the Atomium, the country thus sought to highlight and promote the post-war ideal of peacefully applying atomic research and other technological advancements in order to improve lives and serve the betterment of mankind.{{Cite web |title=Atomium: The Beginning of the Nuclear era |url=https://www.bie-paris.org/site/en/blog/entry/atomium-the-beginning-of-the-nuclear-era |access-date=2022-07-20 |website=bie-paris.org |language=en-gb}} The Atomium's nine {{convert|18|m|ft|adj=mid|-diameter}} stainless steel clad spheres depict nine iron atoms in the shape of a body-centred cubic unit cell that could for example represent an α-iron (ferrite) crystal, magnified 165 billion times.{{cite web|title=History|url=http://atomium.be/History.aspx|publisher=Atomium Foundation|access-date=29 July 2016}}

File:Andre WATERKEYN.jpg, the Atomium's engineer, in front of a model of his creation]]

The construction of the Atomium was a technical feat. In January 1955, a first project was presented by the engineer André Waterkeyn, director of the economic department at {{ill|Fabrimétal|fr|Agoria (organization)}}, the Federation of Companies in the Metal Fabricating Industry (now known as Agoria). The architects André and Jean Polak were responsible for the concept's architectural transposition, drawing up numerous sketches in the process. The company received assistance from the consulting engineers Artémy S. Joukoff and André Beckers, who were supported by the V. Daniel design office. Construction of the foundations began in March 1956 and the building, erected by the Jambes-Namur Construction Workshops, was completed less than a month before the inauguration of Expo 58, on 17 April 1958.

File:Opbouw wereldtentoonstelling in Brussel, Bestanddeelnr 908-4943.jpg|The start of the erection of the frame (11 April 1957)

File:Opbouw wereldtentoonstelling in Brussel, Bestanddeelnr 908-8852.jpg|Construction of the supports, first tube and sphere (21 August 1957)

File:1 -2018-www atomium be-sofam-belgium.jpg|Completion of the upper spheres (early 1958)

Since opening, only six of the nine spheres have been accessible to the public: the three on the central axis and the three on the lower outer edges. Each sphere has two main floors and an additional lower floor reserved for service. Tubes with a diameter of {{convert|3|m|sigfig=1}} connect the spheres along the cube's twelve edges and all eight vertices to the centre. The central tube contains Europe's fastest lift at the time of construction, with a speed of {{convert|5|m/s|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}, installed by the Belgian branch of the Swiss firm Schlieren (subsequently taken over by Schindler). It allows 22 people to reach the summit in just 23 seconds. The escalators installed in the oblique tubes are also among the longest in Europe, with the longest measuring {{convert|35|m|ft|sigfig=1}}.

The three upper outer spheres lack vertical support and are therefore not open to the public for safety reasons (to minimise foot traffic in the spheres). The original design called for no leg supports on the three lower outer spheres; the structure was simply to rest on the singular mid-bottom sphere. However, wind tunnel tests proved that such a structure would have toppled in an {{convert|80|km/h|abbr=on|sigfig=1}} wind, whilst winds of up to {{convert|140|km/h|abbr=on|sigfig=1}} have been recorded in Belgium. Support columns were thus added under the three spheres in question to provide sufficient resistance against overturning.{{cite web|url=http://en.structurae.de/structures/data/index.cfm?ID=s0000887|title=Atomium (1958) | Structurae|date=24 February 2006|publisher=structurae.de|language=de|access-date=5 July 2012}}

The Atomium, designed to last six months, was not destined to survive the 1958 World's Fair, but its popularity and success made it a major element of Brussels' landscape. Its destruction was therefore postponed year after year, until the city's authorities decided to keep it. However, for thirty years, little maintenance work was done. Still, the building continued to serve as the backdrop for major events and competitions. In 1960, the 47th Tour de France passed in front of it during its inaugural stages. From 1960 to 1962, the Brussels Motor Grand Prix automobile race was also organised nearby.

File:Ev. Pavillon auf der EXPO in Brüssel (27751784452).jpg|The Atomium and gondola lift during the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo 58)

File:Haarlemse bloemenmeisjes brengen bezoek aan de Expo, Bestanddeelnr 909-5043.jpg|View of the main avenue towards the Atomium during Expo 58

File:AtomiumTourDeFrance1960 01.jpg|Cyclists pass the Atomium during the 47th Tour de France (28 June 1960)

By the turn of the millennium, the state of the building had deteriorated and a comprehensive renovation was sorely needed. Renovation work, carried out by Belgian construction companies Jacques Delens and BESIX,{{Cite web|title=Restauration de l'Atomium|url=http://www.beliris.be/projets/atomium.html|access-date=2021-01-14|website=Beliris|language=fr}} began in March 2004. The Atomium was closed to the public in October of that year, and remained closed until 18 February 2006. The renovation included replacing the faded aluminium sheets on the spheres with stainless steel and building a new reception pavilion with a boomerang-shaped roof. At the foot of the building, the roundabout was redeveloped into a concrete esplanade lined with continuous benches and a large step leading to the north-east.

On 21 December 2005, the Atomium's new outdoor lighting was tested. The meridians of each sphere were covered with rectangular steel plates, in which LED lighting was integrated. The LED application illuminates the bulbs at night. The lights can also flash simultaneously or in turns along each meridian, symbolising the range of an electron around its core. In addition, the German industrial designer Ingo Maurer created lighting objects and installations for the building's interior.{{cite news| last = Hof| first = Elisa von| url = https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/gesellschaft/ingo-maurer-der-lichtdesigner-ist-tot-a-1292711.html| title = Lichtdesigner Ingo Maurer ist tot| newspaper = Der Spiegel| date = 22 October 2019| language = de| access-date = 22 October 2019}}

On 14 February 2006, the Atomium was officially reopened by then-Prince Philippe, and on 18 February 2006, it opened again to the public. The renovation cost €26 million. Brussels and the Atomium Association covered one-third of the costs, whilst the Belgian Government financed the remaining two-thirds. To help finance the renovation, pieces of the old aluminium plates were sold to the public as souvenirs. A triangular piece measuring approximately {{convert|2|m|ft|sigfig=1}} in length sold for €1,000.{{cite web |url=http://veerle-v2.duoh.com/blog/comments/the_atomium_restored/ |title=The Atomium restored |date=16 February 2006 |publisher=Veerle Pieters |access-date=20 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923194316/http://veerle-v2.duoh.com/blog/comments/the_atomium_restored/ |archive-date=23 September 2017 |url-status=dead }} In March 2006, a €2 commemorative coin depicting the building was issued to celebrate the renovation and reopening.

Although the Atomium depicts an iron unit cell, the spheres were originally clad in aluminium. Following the 2004–2006 renovation, however, the aluminium was replaced with stainless steel, which is primarily iron.

File:Brussels Atomium under construction -0395.jpg|The Atomium at the start of the 2004–2006 renovation (5 February 2004)

File:Atomium pic-007.JPG|Closeup of the central sphere during the renovation (25 February 2005)

File:Atomium 2007.jpg|Illuminated spheres with LED lighting after renovation (11 September 2007)

The Atomium, with over 600,000 visitors per year, is the most popular tourist attraction in Brussels, and acts as an international symbol of both the city and country.{{cite web |title=Visit Atomium - Mini-Europe - Design Museum Brussels |url=https://www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/agenda/event-detail.Visit-Atomium-Mini-Europe-Design-Museum-Brussels.544250#:~:text=over%20600%2C000%20visitors%20per%20year%2C%20the%20most%20popular%20tourist%20attraction%20in%20the%20capital%20of%20Europe |website=Visit Brussels |access-date=14 November 2023}} In addition to its heritage value, it is also a cultural venue and an arts centre. Over half of the building is dedicated to exhibitions with themes about Belgium and digital arts.

Of the six spheres accessible to the public: the bottom sphere is reserved for permanent exhibitions dedicated to the 1950s, Expo 58 and the building's construction; the second sphere hosts temporary exhibitions; the third and central spheres contain flexible spaces that can be rented for events, such as film screenings, concerts, parties and conferences; the top sphere, in addition to the panorama, holds a restaurant; and the sixth sphere is the kids' sphere, intended for the organisation of workshops in urban pedagogy, allowing children aged six to twelve to spend the night there.{{Cite web|url=http://atomium.be/Plan.aspx?lang=en|title=Atomium|website=atomium.be|access-date=2018-11-25}}

{{Further|Freedom of panorama#Belgium}}

File:Atomium 010-censored.png rights at the time]]

SABAM, Belgium's society for collecting copyrights, had previously claimed worldwide intellectual property rights on all reproductions of the Atomium's image via the United States Artists Rights Society (ARS).{{cite web |url=http://www.chillingeffects.org/fairuse/notice.cgi?NoticeID=760 |publisher=Chillingeffects.org |date=14 July 2003 |title=Such unlicensed reproduction and use of artwork on any Internet site with public access is considered in violation of the worldwide intellectual property rights of the rightsholders, including without limitation, copyright, trademark rights and moral rights |access-date=20 June 2015 |archive-date=23 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723004918/http://www.chillingeffects.org/fairuse/notice.cgi?NoticeID=760 |url-status=dead }} For example, in 2003, SABAM issued a demand that a United States website remove all images of the Atomium from its pages. The website owner responded by replacing all such images with a warning not to take photographs of the Atomium, stating that A.S.B.L. Atomium would sue any individual or group who showed the photographs to anyone.{{cite web|url=http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/BuildingDetail/42.php |title=Atomium, The :: Boulevard du Centenaire, Brussels, Belgium |publisher=Glass Steel and Stone |quote=Even if you are an American and think you are protected by U.S. copyright law Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 120, you will still be sued. |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060313135640/http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/BuildingDetail/42.php |archive-date=13 March 2006 }} SABAM confirmed then that permission was required.{{cite news|url=http://www.pcpro.co.uk/macuser/news/190266/100-photoshoppers-wanted-to-erase-copyright-building.html |title=100 'photoshoppers' wanted to erase copyright building |author=Simon Aughton |work=MacUser News |date=21 April 2008 |quote='Since its creation, the Atomium is a copyrighted monument and any reproduction of its image in a publication or on a website must be accompanied by a prior authorisation request to the rightholders or to Sabam,' a spokeswoman said. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080525235525/http://www.pcpro.co.uk/macuser/news/190266/100-photoshoppers-wanted-to-erase-copyright-building.html |archive-date=25 May 2008 }}

In 2008, Anno Expo, who organised 50th anniversary celebrations of Expo 58 in Mechelen, announced a "cultural guerrilla strike" by asking people to send in their old photographs of the Atomium and 100 photoshoppers to paint over the spheres.{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905231141/http://netlabelism.net/node/287 |url=http://netlabelism.net/node/287 |title=The balls of Brussels |work=embe |date=10 April 2008 |archive-date=5 September 2008 }} SABAM responded that they would make an exception for 2008, allowing people to publish private photographs for one year, provided they were for non-commercial purposes. Anno Expo later announced they had censored part of their own report due to "complications" and referred to a meeting they had with SABAM.{{cite web |url=http://www.anno-expo.eu/nl/news/88 |title=Belangrijk bericht aan de bezoekers / inzenders / photoshoppers / lezers |language=nl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514034145/http://www.anno-expo.eu/nl/news/88 |archive-date=14 May 2008 |access-date=28 May 2008 |url-status=dead }} Mechelen's mayor, Bart Somers, called the Atomium copyright rules absurd.{{Cite web |title=Betalen voor een foto van het Atomium |url=https://www.bruzz.be/culture/news/betalen-voor-een-foto-van-het-atomium-2008-04-07 |access-date=4 June 2025 |website=www.bruzz.be |language=nl}}

In the summer of 2015, the Belgian political party Open Vld, which was part of the then-ruling Michel I Government, proposed a bill to enable freedom of panorama in Belgium. The bill was enacted into law in June 2016, allowing pictures of the Atomium, and other public buildings under copyright, to be legally distributed.{{cite web |date=10 May 2016 |title=Selfies aan Atomium weldra helemaal legaal |url=http://www.demorgen.be/binnenland/selfies-aan-atomium-weldra-helemaal-legaal-b7cd1c16/ |access-date=27 March 2017 |publisher=demorgen.be |language=nl}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi/article_body.pl?language=nl&caller=summary&pub_date=2016-07-05&numac=2016011277|title=Moniteur Belge – Belgisch Staatsblad|publisher=ejustice.just.fgov.be|access-date=27 March 2017}}

File:The Atomium during civil twilight (DSCF1135).jpg|The Atomium during civil twilight

File:Atomium by night 2018.jpg|The Atomium by night

File:Atomium sphere (DSCF1211).jpg|Central sphere

File:Atomium-Brussels-2.jpg|Several spheres

File:Atomium Escalator (4347819911).jpg|One of the escalators connecting the spheres

File:Stairway to earth.jpg|Stairwell

File:Atomium Exterior Staircase.jpg|Exterior (emergency) staircase

File:Atomium Restaurant.jpg|alt=Dining table and chairs from the restaurant atop Atomium|Restaurant above the main observation deck

File:Atomium Staircase.jpg|Interior stairs to ground level

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{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book|last1=Attas|first1=David|last2=Provost|first2=Michel|title=Bruxelles, sur les traces des ingénieurs bâtisseurs|location=Brussels|language=fr|publisher=CIVA|year=2011|isbn=978-2-930391-39-7|pages=47–48}}
• {{cite book|last1=Devos|first1=Rika|last2=De Kooning|first2=Mil|title=L'architecture moderne à l'Expo 58|location=Brussels|language=fr|publisher=Dexia Banque – Fonds Mercator|year=2006|isbn=978-90-6153-642-0|pages=48–50}}
• {{cite book|last=Tribot|first=Pierre-Jean|title=Bruxelles 58 année-lumière|location=Brussels|language=fr|publisher=CFC Éditions|year=2008|isbn=978-2-930018-91-1|pages=89–95, 165–169}}

• {{Commons category-inline|Atomium}}
• {{Official website|http://www.atomium.be/ }}
• [http://www.conixarchitects.com/#/projects/all/by_name/atomium Atomium renovation and interior design by Conix Architects] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118003736/http://www.conixarchitects.com/#/projects/all/by_name/atomium |date=18 January 2013 }}
• {{structurae|id=20000887|title=Atomium}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110724013016/http://www.brussels.be/artdet.cfm/5678 Webcam Atomium]
• [http://www.ilotsacre.be/images/virtualvisit/heysel-heizel-atomium.htm Atomium: virtual visit]
• [http://www.constructalia.com/en_EN/gallery/galeria_detalle.jsp?idProyec=807603 Atomium's architecture] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902093501/http://www.constructalia.com/en_EN/gallery/galeria_detalle.jsp?idProyec=807603 |date=2 September 2011 }}

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