The Atomium

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The Atomium

If you ever visit Brussels, do not be lazy to go to the 81st tram and get off at the station "Heysel". Here, you will see the majestic statue, a monument to limitless possibilities of peaceful nuclear energy, after a series of similar European structures.This is the symbol of Brussels, the Atomium, a huge, polished model of an iron molecule increased by 165 billion times.

The history of the monument

This monument is remembered mostly by the older generation. Initially, the monument, as well as many other monuments built during the "Cold War" had international importance. It was designed by architect Andre Vaterkeyn for the opening of the International Exhibition in 1958. The Atomium had to show the victory of socialism accomplishments over the capitalism accomplishments. Nowadays, hardly anyone is indifferent to this grand structure. Just imagine nine huge areas connected by metallic transitions. The entire monument is 102 feet high.

The monument function

In addition to the cultural values, the Atomium has still an educational purpose. An exposition telling about the peaceful exploration of nuclear energy is located within the monument. Besides this, the Atomium is also a gripping ride. First of all, it is an excellent viewing platform, which can be reached by one of the fastest elevators in Europe. In just 20 seconds you'll find yourself at an altitude of 102 meters, and enjoy a panoramic view of Brussels. Secondly, you can spend a night in the Atomium or visit a local cafe.

And, of course, do not forget about the educational function of the monument. In addition to the exhibits on nuclear research, visitors can see the exhibition promoting the lifestyle of the ‘50s, as well as praising the original Belgian design. A small shop is situated at the bottom of the monument. You can find here all the trappings of the main symbol of Belgium. The Atomium was completely renovated in 2003. The aluminum coating was replaced with stainless steel for more shine. The old sheets were sold as souvenirs for curious tourists.

Amazing sculpture

You should visit this unique monument. Despite the fact that during the lifetime of the Atomium a lot has changed in the world, the "cold war" passed, the Soviet Union collapsed, the monument still symbolizes the idea of the future: an endless faith in the optimistic course of the world history and exceptional benefits of the nuclear energy.

By Marina

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A sculpture is an art form. Its works have physically material, product volume and three-dimensional shape, placed in real space. The main protagonists of a sculpture are people and wildlife images. The main genres of the sculpture are the portrait, historical, mythological, personal, symbolic, allegorical images, and the figure of animals. The materials used are metal, stone, clay, wood, plaster, and other modern fabrics. The sculpture exists since the ancient times. At that period they represented people and animals. Nowadays, the sculptures are widely used to attract crowds of tourists in each city. That’s why some of them are totally different from the antique sites. They are so strange. They make you to think that the sculptor is totally crazy. But certainly this makes you curious that you want to see the sculpture. There are a lot of monuments and sculptures in the world. But not all of them are worth to be visited or seen, although they represent true masterpieces. They all are made by famous people, sculptors, and painters. But not the name of their builders gives them the fame. It is hard to explain sometimes why a sculpture is the most visited, and another is not considered as the main tourist site. Tourists choose by themselves what should be seen and what should not. According to some statistics, the sculptures that seem to be very strange, gain the love and the attention of the public. Enjoy your life spending great time admiring the craziest and the strangest sculptures you have ever seen.