There was once a time when the arrangement of atoms inside iron crystal was kept pretty low-key.
Then along came the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo '58) and its signature structure: a 335-foot-tall rendering of a pattern of iron atoms, called The Atomium. It's 165 billion times bigger than a real set of iron atoms, so you can't miss it.
There are nine spheres in total, each one representing an atom. Six of the nine are open to visitors—inside them, there's exhibit halls, panoramic views and the like.
A major renovation was completed in 2008 for the Atomium's 50-year anniversary, most tellingly on the spheres: The old, faded aluminum was replaced with gleaming stainless steel, thus renewing the Atomium's futuristic aura for a new generation.
On the Atomium's website, there's some nifty pictures, especially of the Atomium just after its completion. The Atomium has probably never looked so amazing as it did when it soared futuristically over a 1950s Brussels.
Groups traveling on certain EF Educational Tours will pass through Brussels and enjoy a photo stop at the Atomium.
Photo: cookipediachef via Flickr (CC license)
