Brussels is the European capital home to the Atomium, built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair.
The Atomium is a monumental structure representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. It was designed by engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak for Expo 58, the first major world’s fair held after World War II.
The structure consists of nine interconnected stainless-steel-clad spheres. It stands in the Heysel area of northern Brussels, near Mini-Europe and the King Baudouin Stadium. Although intended to remain for only six months, its popularity led to its preservation.
The Atomium is often confused with a conventional tower, but its distinctive form is a scientific-themed monument rather than a skyscraper. Several spheres contain exhibition spaces, and the upper sphere provides views over Brussels.