Operators of Brussels' Atomium revive the 1950s for the monument's golden anniversary.

At first glance the Atomium looks like an UFO. The monument's nine, oversized metal spheres are not that pretty, but they have fascinated visitors for 50 years.

More than anything else, Atomium's structure excites visitors. It stretches 102 metres into the sky, appearing effortlessly to support the steel, glass and aluminium.

Atomium, which represents an iron molecule magnified 165 million times, was the sensation of the 1958 Brussels World's Fair. This year its operators want to revive the 1950s as the monument marks its golden anniversary.

In the lowest of the nine spheres a long-term exhibit has opened showing how designers in the '50s used new forms and colours in a struggle against the predominant middle-class charms of the times.

From April 17 until October 19 - the same dates as the 1958 World's Fair - musicians, painters and historians will depict what was going on in the '50s.

However, space inside the sphere is limited, and the few cocktail seats and kidney-shaped tables exhibited don't make the entrance fee worthwhile.

There are other things for visitors who want to explore the giant molecule. On clear days all of Brussels can be viewed from the panorama level in the highest sphere. The elevator to the top sphere moves at five metres per second and was the fastest in Belgium when the monument opened. For the number of visitors who flock to Atomium today, however, it is too small. The wait is nearly one hour at weekends to get in.

The remaining spheres can be reached by long escalators inside the tubes that join the spheres. Moving around the structure gives you the feeling you are in a space ship. All the walls are made of bare metal and you can quickly lose your orientation inside the tunnels. There are no right angles to ease finding your way. There are only small bull's eye-size windows that allow visitors an occasional peak outside.

One sphere is available for people who have a lot of money to spend on private parties. Another one is available for children's slumber parties.

The monument was meant to be torn down after the World's Fair, but the unique construction rapidly became an emblem of Brussels. When tourists are disappointed by Brussels' other famous landmark, the Manneken Pis - a bronze sculpture depicting a urinating naked boy - because of its meager size, they often are impressed with the Atomium's dimensions.

Visitors who want to see only the outside of the Atomium are treated to an excellent view in the evening. Thousands of small lights illuminate the spheres, while the sunset reflects beautiful colours in the structures steel.

The Atomium is at the edge of Brussels and reachable with the underground line 1A. Exit the underground at Heysel station. It is a 20 minute ride from the centre of Brussels. Atomium is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The opening hours are to be extended beginning April 17. The admission fee is 9 euro (13 dollars). Children under 12 are free. There is a discount for 12- to 18-year-olds, students, senior citizens and groups.

Internet: www.atomium.be.

dpa 

photo: Thierry Monasse