The Atomium is a monument in the Heysel Park in Brussels. It is a steel construction, consisting of 9 spheres representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
The Atomium was built for the Expo '58, the World's Fair in Brussels in 1958. Designed by the architect André Waterkeyn , it was originally meant to last only 6 months.
The monument has a total height of 103 meters, or 335 feet. The spheres, which have a diameter of 18 meters, are connected by escalators. Three of the upper spheres have no vertical support, and so for safety reasons are not open to the public. In the top sphere one can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Brussels through the windows, and in the other spheres there are several exhibitions.
Much-needed renovation work was started in March 2004. The Atomium will be closed for the public between October 2004 and January 2006.
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