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). In the 1950s, faith in scientific progress was great, and a structure depicting atoms was chosen to highlight humanity's advance in science, including nuclear physics, which Belgium itself was an avid practitioner ever since the Belgian Congo's uranium 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, Belgium wanted to highlight and promote the post-war ideal to peacefully apply atomic research and other advancements in technology 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 the body-centred cubic unit cell that could for example represent 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 of {{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 architectural transposition of the concept, drawing up numerous sketches to do so. The company received assistance from consulting engineers Artémy S. Joukoff and André Beckers, assisted by the design office V. Daniel. The foundations were launched 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 are accessible to the public, the three of the central axis and the three lower outer ones, each with two main floors and a lower floor reserved for service. Tubes of {{convert|3|m|sigfig=1}} diameter connect the spheres along the twelve edges of the cube and all eight vertices to the centre. The central tube contains the fastest lift in Europe of the time 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 23 seconds. The escalators installed in the oblique tubes are also among the longest in Europe. The biggest is {{convert|35|m|ft|sigfig=1}} long.

The three upper outer spheres lack vertical support and hence are not open to the public for safety reasons (to minimise foot traffic in the sphere). 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 up to {{convert|140|km/h|abbr=on|sigfig=1}} winds have been recorded in Belgium. Support columns were thus added under the three spheres in question to achieve enough 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 serving as the backdrop for major events and competitions. In 1960, the 47th Tour de France passed in front of it on its inaugural stages. From 1960 to 1962, the Brussels Motor Grand Prix automobile race was organised not far from it.

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 of the Atomium, 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; it 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, as well as 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 at 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 interior of the building.{{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 paid one-third of the costs, and the Belgian Government financed the other two thirds. To help finance the renovation, pieces of the old aluminium plates were sold to the public as souvenirs. One triangular piece about {{convert|2|m|ft|sigfig=1}} long 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 euro commemorative coin depicting the building was issued to celebrate the renovation and reopening.

Though the Atomium depicts an iron unit cell, the spheres were originally clad with aluminium. Following the 2004–2006 renovation, however, the aluminium was replaced with stainless steel, which is primarily iron. Likewise, while the subject of Atomium was chosen to depict the enthusiasm of the Atomic Age, iron is not and cannot be used as fuel in nuclear reactions.

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 place and an art 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 have flexible spaces that can be rented for events, such as film showings, concerts, parties or 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 of urban pedagogy, allowing children from six to twelve years 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, has claimed worldwide intellectual property rights on all reproductions of the 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, SABAM issued a demand that a United States website remove all images of the Atomium from its pages. The website responded by replacing all such images with a warning not to take photographs of the Atomium, and that A.S.B.L. Atomium will sue any individual or group if they show 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 that permission is 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 }}

Ralf Ziegermann remarked{{cite web |url=http://zeigermann.com/cartoonist/2008/01/05/atomium-and-expo-58 |title=Atomium and Expo '58 |work=The Cartoonist |author=Ralf Ziegermann |date=5 January 2008 |access-date=16 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512204759/http://zeigermann.com/cartoonist/2008/01/05/atomium-and-expo-58/ |archive-date=12 May 2012 |url-status=dead }} on the complicated copyright instructions on the Atomium's website specific to "private pictures".{{cite web|url=http://blog.atomium.be/page/Copyright-photo---Foto-copyright.aspx |title=Copyright photo |publisher=Official blog of the Atomium & Expo 58 |date=2008 |quote=In the precise and exclusive case of information articles related to the festivities of the fiftieth birthday of the Atomium and of Expo 58, private pictures intended for non-commercial and non-promotional purposes, published in low resolution (max. 600 pixels wide / 72 dpi), are free from copyrights. However, the copyright © Sabam 2008 – www.atomium.be must be mentioned. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080701230956/http://blog.atomium.be/page/Copyright-photo---Foto-copyright.aspx |archive-date=1 July 2008 }} The organisers of Belgian heritage, Anno Expo (planning the 50th anniversary celebrations of Expo 58), in the city of Mechelen announced a "cultural guerrilla strike" by asking people to send in their old photographs of the Atomium and requested 100 photoshoppers to paint over the balls.{{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 }}{{URL|http://www.anno-expo.eu/}} {{in lang|nl}} SABAM responded that they would make an exception for 2008 and that people could publish private photographs for one year only on condition 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 |url=http://www.indymedia.be/nl/node/26964 |title=Sabam in het nauw |author=Christophe Callewaert |date=9 April 2008 |language=nl |work=Indymedia Belgium }}

From the Atomium's website, the current copyright restrictions exempt private individuals under the following conditions:[http://www.atomium.be/Search.aspx?search=photo#/AuthorsRights.aspx Atomium.be copyright], retrieved 26 March 2010.

{{Blockquote|This is the case where photographs are taken by private individuals and shown on private websites for no commercial purpose (the current trend for photo albums).
In accordance with legislation, usage rights for the image of the Atomium would naturally extend to 1 January 2076, in other words, the seventieth anniversary of André Waterkeyn's death.}}

In the summer of 2015, Belgian political party Open Vld, 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|url=http://www.demorgen.be/binnenland/selfies-aan-atomium-weldra-helemaal-legaal-b7cd1c16/|title=Selfies aan Atomium weldra helemaal legaal|date=10 May 2016 |publisher=demorgen.be|access-date=27 March 2017}}{{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

{{Portal|Belgium}}

• List of tallest structures in Belgium
• Design Museum Brussels
• History of Brussels
• Culture of Belgium

{{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 }}

{{Tallest buildings and structures in Belgium}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Buildings and structures in Brussels

Category:Tourist attractions in Brussels

Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1958

Category:Expo 58

Category:World's fair architecture in Belgium

Category:Modernist architecture

Category:Modernist architecture in Belgium

Category:Copyright infringement

Category:Symbols of Brussels