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The only major monument of 1958 that has remained at the
Heysel is also the most spectacular: the Atomium. This was
the first world exhibition to take place after World War
II. The entire economic outlook was much better than in
the 1930's (the creation of the European Economic Community
in 1957) and the world was vibrating with enthusiasm for
the new technologies (nuclear power, the first satellite
launch by the soviets, etc.). Over 35 million people visited
the Expo 58 and 46 countries from six continents were represented.
Most pavilions were built in a very modern futuristic architectural
style which became the symbol of that era.
This monument from 1958 has become the Eiffel Tower of
Brussels. The Atomium is the visual representation of the
concept of an "atom". It symbolizes an elementary iron crystal
with its 9 atoms and magnified 150 billion times. It honored
the metal and iron industry and the belief in the atomic
power.
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