Atomium

Atomium
   A giant replica of an iron molecule built for the World's Fair of 1958 that has become an identifying symbol of Brussels, the Atomium's nine aluminum-coated steel spheres represent the atomic structure of the molecule magnified 165 billion times. Designed by engineer André Waterkeyn, who spent four years planning and constructing it, the edifice was intended to mark the arrival of the atomic age in serving as both a symbol of scientific progress and a monument to the peaceful application of atomic energy.
   The Atomium, built on the Heysel plateau, rises 102 m (332 ft.) above the boulevard du Centenaire and weighs 2,400 tons. The nine spheres, each measuring 18 m (59 ft.) in diameter, represent the nine Belgian provinces in 1958 (there are 10 since 1 January 1995). The spheres are connected by tubes running 29 m (94 ft.) in length and 3 m (10 ft.) in diameter, and they are each divided into two storeys. An elevator that runs through the central tube connects the bottom sphere with the top one in 23 seconds and escalators link the surrounding spheres. At night, the nine spheres are illuminated by small lights. Switched on alternately, the lights revolving around the sphere illustrate the movement of electrons around an atomic nucleus.
   The Atomium was refurbished in 1993. The structure is thermally insulated, soundproofed, and air conditioned, and it is flexible, allowing it to move with the wind for safety reasons. Space is available for exhibitions and a restaurant and observation deck are located in the top sphere. The structure was closed again in 2004 for restoration.

Historical Dictionary of Brussels. .

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  • Atomium — Saltar a navegación, búsqueda El Atomium en una moneda conmemorativa de 2€ de 2006 El Atomium es una estructura de 103 metros de altura construida para la Exposición General de primera categoría de Bruselas de 1958. Representa un crista …   Wikipedia Español

  • Atomium — vor seiner Renovierung Das Atomium ist ein Gebäude in Brüssel, das zur „Expo 58“ errichtet wurde. Die Expo 58 war die erste Weltausstellung nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg. Der Architekt André Waterkeyn hatte das Atomium als Symbol für das… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Atomium —   das, s, das Symbol der Brüsseler Weltausstellung von 1958, ein 110 m hohes Bauwerk in Form einer 150milliardenfachen Vergrößerung der Elementarzelle eines α Eisenkristalls …   Universal-Lexikon

  • Atomium — Infobox Skyscraper building name = The Atomium caption = year highest = year end = plural = location = Brussels, Belgium coordinates = status = groundbreaking = constructed = 1958 est completion = opening =|floor area = antenna spire =… …   Wikipedia

  • Atomium — 50° 53′ 42″ N 4° 20′ 29″ E / 50.89492, 4.341278 …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Atomium (Bière) — L Atomium est une bière aux six grains, corsée et rafraîchissante. De couleur bronze dorée, elle est fruitée, ronde et douce, laissant un goût délicatement prononcé. Son nom vient de l Atomium, le monument imitant une maille cristalline Bruxelles …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Atomium (biere) — Atomium (bière) L Atomium est une bière aux six grains, corsée et rafraîchissante. De couleur bronze dorée, elle est fruitée, ronde et douce, laissant un goût délicatement prononcé. Son nom vient de l Atomium, le monument imitant une maille… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Atomium (bière) — L Atomium est une bière aux six grains, corsée et rafraîchissante. De couleur bronze dorée, elle est fruitée, ronde et douce, laissant un goût délicatement prononcé. Son nom vient de l Atomium, le monument imitant une maille cristalline Bruxelles …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Atomium — Ato|mi|um das; s <zu ↑...ium> das auf der Brüsseler Weltausstellung 1958 errichtete Ausstellungsgebäude in Form eines Atommodells …   Das große Fremdwörterbuch

  • Atomium — Ato|mi|um, das; s (Bauwerk in Brüssel) …   Die deutsche Rechtschreibung

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