Atomium / André Waterkeyn + André And Jean Polak

Architects: Engineer André Waterkeyn, André and Jean Polak
Year: 1958 (original construction), 2004–2006 (renovation)
Photographs: Patrick Waterkeyn, Pieter Vandeweyer, Marian Baciu, Harald Hoyer, Alf van Beem, Harry Pot / Anefo, Harry Pot – GaHetNa, Daan Noske / Anefo, Robin.walleghem, Nro92 + Romaine, Storyteller23, Kemeter, acediscovery, Marek Śliwecki, Elke Wetzig, Archiv der Evangelischen Kirche im Rheinland, Joop van Bilsen / Anefo, Trougnouf Benoit Brummer, Yogesh Yadav, Philippe Weickmann, Emmanuel Codden.
City: Brussels
Country: Belgium

The Atomium, designed by engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak, is a modernist landmark built for Expo 58 in Brussels. Standing 102 meters tall, it represents a magnified iron crystal. Initially conceived as a temporary structure, its futuristic design and cultural significance ensured its preservation. Renovations from 2004 to 2006 replaced the original aluminum cladding with stainless steel and modernized its facilities. Now a museum and event space, it draws over 600,000 visitors annually. Legal disputes over image rights led to the 2016 Freedom of Panorama law, allowing public sharing of Atomium photos. Despite early criticism over its atomic energy symbolism, the Atomium remains a lasting symbol of scientific optimism and Belgian engineering.

Atomium / André and Jean Polak | Classics on Architecture Lab

The Atomium, a landmark in Brussels, Belgium, was originally built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (Expo 58). Designed by engineer André Waterkeyn and architects André and Jean Polak, the structure was intended to represent scientific progress and showcase Belgium’s engineering expertise. Its bold, futuristic design, featuring nine interconnected spheres, has since become a symbol of both Brussels and Belgium.

Standing 102 meters tall, the Atomium’s design is based on a magnified iron crystal, scaled up 165 billion times. The nine spheres, each 18 meters in diameter, are connected by tubes housing stairs, escalators, and elevators. At the time of its construction, the Atomium featured the fastest elevator in Europe, transporting visitors to the top sphere in just 23 seconds. Six of the spheres are accessible to the public, containing exhibition spaces, event venues, and a restaurant with panoramic views of Brussels.

Originally intended as a temporary structure for the six-month duration of the Expo, the Atomium faced significant criticism from architectural experts. Some, including architectural historian Sibyl Moholy-Nagy, deemed it “clumsy” and out of touch with the atomic age it was meant to represent. Further complicating its symbolism, Belgium’s nuclear reactor project was canceled before the Expo, undermining its connection to atomic energy.

Despite this, the public embraced the Atomium for its playful design and innovative interior spaces. While originally clad in aluminum rather than iron—an inconsistency that critics pointed out—the building’s unique visual appeal made it a beloved fixture in Brussels. Its popularity ensured its preservation beyond the World’s Fair, and it has since become an enduring symbol of the city.

By the early 2000s, the Atomium had deteriorated after decades of exposure to the elements. Between 2004 and 2006, the building underwent a significant renovation to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The renovation replaced the aging aluminum exterior with stainless steel, bringing the structure closer to its original concept of representing iron. LED lighting was also installed to illuminate the spheres at night, further enhancing its futuristic appearance. The interior was modernized to host exhibitions, while the top sphere continued to offer panoramic views of the city along with a restaurant serving Belgian cuisine. To help fund the renovation, pieces of the original aluminum cladding were sold as souvenirs.

Today, the Atomium functions as more than just an architectural icon. It has become a vibrant cultural center, with over half of its space dedicated to exhibitions on topics ranging from Belgian history to digital art. Educational programs designed for visitors of all ages have transformed it into an interactive learning space, while its international reputation makes it a prime venue for events, film shoots, and collaborations. Attracting over 600,000 visitors annually, the Atomium remains a powerful symbol of both Brussels and Belgium, embodying the optimism and forward-thinking spirit of the Atomic Age.

In recent years, the Atomium has been at the center of legal disputes regarding image rights. For many years, Belgium’s copyright collective, SABAM, restricted the use of images of the Atomium, demanding fees for public distribution. However, in 2016, a Freedom of Panorama law was passed, allowing unrestricted sharing of photographs of public buildings, including the Atomium.

From its origins as a temporary structure at the 1958 World’s Fair, the Atomium has evolved into one of Europe’s most iconic landmarks. Its blend of scientific symbolism, cultural importance, and architectural innovation has secured its place as a beloved symbol of Brussels and a testament to the creative potential of architecture.