7 MODERN WONDERS OF THE WORLD
DID YOU KNOW? An elevator carries visitors to the top of the Atomium in just 23 seconds
MOLECULE MAGNIFIED 165 BILLION TIMES
WONDER: The Atomium
LOCATION: Brussels, Belgium
1 This iconic 102-metre structure and its giant reflective spheres dominate the surrounding park. However, the design inspiration for this modern edifice includes elements so small they are invisible to the naked eye. The Atomium, designed by architects André and Jean Polak and engineer André Waterkeyn and built in 1958 for the World’s Fair, represents a molecule of solidified iron magnified 165 billion times. Each of the nine spheres, representing atoms, are 18 metres in diameter and are evenly spaced 30 metres away from each other.
The steel sculpture has become a famous attraction in Belgium, but it was only designed to be a temporary feature. For the short-term fair, the spheres were built using aluminium sheets, but were renovated in 2004 using longer lasting stainless steel. The World’s Fair was the first in a series to be held following World War II and was an international exhibition to showcase national achievements. The Atomium structure remained
