Atomium

Frommer's Review

As the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris, the Atomium is the symbol of Brussels. There's nothing quite like this cluster of giant metal-clad spheres, built for the 1958 World's Fair, which represents the atomic structure of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. Closed for renovation through 2005, it's due to reopen early in 2006. It rises 102m (335 ft.) like a giant plaything of the gods that's fallen to earth. Whatever you think of its founding impulse, it's a fair bet that when you stand underneath this vast schematic representation of an iron atom, you'll be suitably impressed. There may be something very last-century about this paean of praise to the wonders of science and technology, but the Atomium has somehow moved beyond this, taking on a monumental life of its own. The view from the viewing deck on the topmost sphere is marvelous, and you can even wander around inside the spheres.

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