Atomium celebrates 20th anniversary of renovation with new artworks and activities
The Atomium in Brussels is celebrating the twentieth anniversary of its renovation this year. On Friday, the management unveiled the programme for this anniversary year. It includes around twenty activities, three new digital artworks and a podcast.
From 14 February, three digital art installations will be unveiled as part of the celebrations marking the twentieth anniversary of the Atomium's renovation. The first work is Rotonde by the Belgian studio Dirty Monitor, which will illuminate the monument at night using a circular structure and also includes an original sound composition.
Supply Chain by artist Roman Tardy is an immersive installation with mirrors, LED modules and original sound creations. Finally, Nimbus by Visual System reinterprets the shapes of the Atomium to create a compelling light and sound environment.
The anniversary year will also be celebrated with a series of events, including a weekend full of activities around scientific discoveries for young visitors, with a focus on contemporary research and the role of women in science. A symbolic collaboration with the Smurfs will result in a festive family day.
The Atomium is also collaborating with Souris, a Brussels jewellery designer, to create original pieces as part of the anniversary year. In the same spirit, Manneken Pis will also get a new costume.
In addition, the Atomium is also launching the podcast “Renovation”, the first episode of which will be broadcast on 18 February. The podcast looks back on the renovation work with the help of engineers, workers, employees and local residents.
The Atomium reopened in February 2006 after two years of renovation work. The building was completely stripped and fitted with new stainless steel cladding to replace the original cladding from 1958.
Before 2005, the Atomium received around 150,000 visitors annually. Since the renovation, that number has risen to 600,000. Over the past two years, the number of visitors has exceeded 800,000.
The Atomium also organises a symbolic campaign for the Belgian public: anyone born on 18 February 2006 receives free admission to the monument for the entire year.
The Nimbus artwork by Visual System at the Atomium © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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