The first world fair after WWII had to be special, it was going to be the meeting point of many nations eager to strengthen the bonds of peace and democracy that were slowly being built in the aftermath of one of humanity’s most destructive periods. Being held in Belgium in 1958, the fair needed a centerpiece that would reflect the time and the cohesion being sought by the various nations. Designed by Andre Waterkeyn, the Atomium is 102ft tall and is a series of nine steel spheres connected so that the whole forms the shape of a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. The design was chosen over an original idea of having an upside-down version of the Eiffel Tower, with Waterkeyn’s design reflecting the era where science was rapidly progressing to extraordinary effect. The tubes connecting the spheres house escalators, with the spheres being exhibition halls. A trip to the highest sphere offers panoramic views of Brussels and acts as a tiny reminder to the pinnacle in science progression of the late 20th century.

Written by  John Johnston.

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