Atomium celebrates its 60th with a year-long birthday party

The Atomium is 60 years old this year - so it's time to celebrate. In anticipation to the World’s Fair opening in April 1958, the Atomium was completed in late March and that is why a cavalcade of events and special happenings will debut this weekend. The events are called A Love Story Since 1958 and here is a brief overview.

There will be three exhibitions at the Atomium and the ADAM Brussels Design Museum, collectively titled Galaxy 58, running from 23 March until 2019.

People of 58 (Atomium)
This exhibit will feature large number of mostly unseen photos and video footage from the period and will be of particular interest to those of us who actually visited Expo 58, but it will immerse everyone in the atmosphere of the fair.

Graphic 58 (ADAM)
The fair created an innovative visual world and the Brussels Design Museum focuses our attention on its key elements such as forms, colours and textures, and on the importance of their influence in 1958, particularly regarding design.

Podium 58 (ADAM)
Presented in collaboration with the Museum of Costume and Lace in Brussels, this exhibition displays images of visitors strolling around Expo 58 in their Sunday best on the eve of the Swinging Sixties, at a time when the old and the new confronted one another in a dramatically changing world.

Born the same year as the Atomium, the Smurfs are invited to the 60th birthday party. Together, they will be the subject of a large exhibition in one of the Heysel Palaces. At the same time, there will also be an outdoor exhibition held in the area between the Atomium and Palace 5.

Rounding out the special opening weekend events (23-25 March) will be a Musica Mundi concert on Friday, and, on Sunday, a disco party with surprises for children aged five to 15 in one of the Atomium’s spheres (grandparents get in free).

A comic book, a watch and a beer

There will be an official comic book, Sourire 58 (Smile 58) - a geopolitical thriller set in the World's Fair. Written and historically documented by Patrick Weber and illustrated to recreate the ambience of 1958 Brussels by Baudouin Deville, it will be available immediately and an outdoor exhibition, held also between the Atomium and Palace 5, will give a behind-the-scenes look at its creation. The exhibition will be held from late March to September 2018.

The famous MeisterSinger company is bringing out a watch in tribute to the 60th anniversary. Collectors take note: only 60 will be produced.

Meanwhile, the Flobecq brewery, which produced a beer for Expo 58, will recreate the exceptional brew for the duration of the festivities - except this time it’s 100% organic.

Be.Welcome, the sculpture that greets visitors at the entrance to the Atomium, will be dressed up for the duration.

Diamond wedding celebrations

The Atomium has contacted all the town halls in Belgium to invite couples celebrating their 60th wedding anniversaries to enjoy a special week organised for them in April. They will be able to visit the Atomium and the ADAM free of charge. So far, more than 1,200 couples have responded.

Fireworks

The exact days are still to be announced but get ready for five spectacular Friday night fireworks displays. Additionally, the New Year's Eve firework display will again be held at the Atomium.

Bric-a-Brac

At the end of April, non-profit Regal, in cooperation with the Atomium, is organising Bric-a-Brac Fair 58, a giant brocante with more than 120 stands selling objects, mementos and vintage pieces. There will be activities for children, an outside seating area and a 1958-style atmosphere.

Music festivals and vehicles galore

In early May, the festival Rock around the Atomium will likewise be celebrating with a special programme of 1950s rockabilly, rhythm & blues and rock 'n’ roll. There will be 12 international concerts over a two-day period, with a vintage market, and the most beautiful cars and motorbikes dating from the period will be on show. Everything will be open to all and free of charge. Visitors will experience the atmosphere of the birth of rock 'n' roll.

Throughout the summer holidays, the CouCou bar on the promenade outside the Atomium will organise special dance, music and circus arts events, including slack-rope walking, mainly on the 20-21 July, as well as the 14-15 August. Then, on 7-8 September, deep house electro evenings will be held on the Square de l’Atomium.

On 30 September, the Atomium will welcome gentleman motorbike riders, who will ride around in "distinguished" outfits, collecting funds for scientific research. Register at www.gentlemansride.com

The Royal Chamber Orchestra of Wallonia is also celebrating its 60th anniversary. So, in October, a special concert will be given in the Prigogine Sphere which will present pieces dating from the era of Expo 58.

Expect more cars in October with 60 Years of the History of the Car at the foot of the Atomium. And in September and October, ADAM will be hosting an exceptional design-driven flea market.

Haute cuisine

And finally, from April to December the Atomium Restaurant at the top of the Atomium will be offering a special three-course lunch for €60 with Belgian dishes, produce and wine. Anyone booking this meal will get a free visit to the Atomium.