Atomium

The Atomium represents a space-centred cubic elementary cell consisting of nine atoms and was conceived as a symbol of the atomic age and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The structure consists of nine atoms, two of which form a viewing tower along the spatial diagonal together with the central atom, while the other six atoms and the bars surround them. The outer lower atoms are supported from the floor. The Atomium is a 165-billion-fold enlargement of the crystalline elementary cell of iron, with a diameter of 18 metres for the spheres and 3.3 metres for the connecting tubes.

The top sphere houses a restaurant and viewing floors and is accessible via a lift. The other spheres are also open to the public and are used for exhibitions and events. The Atomium was renovated between 2004 and 2006, with the aluminium cladding being replaced by stainless steel sheets and the windows being made of polycarbonate. Underneath the Atomium was a nuclear reactor, which was acquired by the University of Basel after the Expo and used for research purposes until 2015, when it was decommissioned.