VADEMECUM2012 PROGRAMMING & PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Atomium - Vade Mecum - 2012
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Futuristic & Universal, since 1958
Atomium - Vade Mecum - 2012
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VADE MECUM 2012 A very strong brand image ........................................................................................... p. 3 An unavoidable monument .......................................................................................... p. 4 A place for exhibitions .................................................................................................. p. 5 A place of discovery ...................................................................................................... p. 7 A place for events ......................................................................................................... p. 9 Practical information .................................................................................................... p. 10 Services for partners ................................................................................................... p. 14
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Contacts ..........................................................................................................................p. 17
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A VERY STRONG BRAND IMAGE The image of the Atomium is used around the world and serves a number of purposes: > a landmark (identifying Brussels or Belgium) > a symbol of the fifties > an architectural feat > an artistic subject > a guarantee of a certain level of celebrity The Atomium on the Internet: 873,000 references, 221,000 sites pointing to the website, 43,000 images shared on Flickr, over 11,000 fans on Facebook and an average of 2,300 unique visitors to the website every day.
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AN UNAVOIDABLE MONUMENT Unavoidable icon of Brussels and Belgium, important place for international tourism, unique creation in the history of architecture and emblematic vestige of the World Fair in Brussels (Expo 58), the Atomium is the most popular tourist attraction of Europe’s Capital. It symbolizes an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times, referring to the power of nuclear energy in full development at that time and which was intended for peaceful use. The Atomium continues to embody its ideas about the future and universality, half a century later. In its cultural program it carries on the debate of 1958: What kind of future do we want for tomorrow? Our happiness depends on what?
A unique specimen in the history of arts A seminal totem in the Brussels skyline; neither tower, nor pyramid, a little bit cubic, a little bit spherical, half-way between sculpture and architecture, a relic of the past with a determinedly futuristic look, museum and exhibition centre; the Atomium is, at once, an object, a place, a space, an Utopia and the only symbol of its kind in the world, which eludes any kind of classification.
At the same time symbol of Brussels, Belgium and a whole era The Atomium was not intended to survive beyond the 1958 World Fair but its popularity and success soon made it a key landmark, first of Brussels then internationally. Over and above the symbolic value linked to its history, the Atomium has become one of the icons of the city of Brussels: capital of Europe, with which it has a special relationship. Since its inspired restoration (2006), the landmark that many people call the most Belgian monument, is also a museum with its permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
The most beautiful view over Brussels By turns described in tourist guides as fabulous, striking, exceptional and magnificent: if you were to believe the experts, the panorama alone is worth a trip to the Atomium. Unlike some of the other viewpoints tucked away in the city centre, thanks to its location on a naturally elevated plateau on the outskirts of town, the Atomium offers the only true 360° panoramic view of the 19 municipalities of Brussels.
An exquisite restaurant Managed by an independent cook: every day, the restaurant Belgium Taste offers a wide range of treats, from snacks to the typical Belgian gastronomic menu.
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A PLACE FOR EXHIBITIONS Programme 2011-2012 Futuristic & Universal, the Atomium has never stopped remembering the magic of Expo 58 which was the reason for its construction. Themes such as Science, Progress and the Future, still just as relevant today as they were then, are covered by a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
EXPO 58: THE EXHIBITION_www.atomium.be/expo58 Permanent exhibition on two floors / base sphere_levels 1 & 2 Symbol and most important monument of the Expo 58: it is natural that the Atomium dedicates 2 levels to this unique event in Belgium’s history. Following on from the success of the exhibition Expo 58. Between Dream and Reality, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Expo 58, the Atomium, the magical home of «Galaxy 58» brings you a new permanent version: Expo 58: the exhibition.
The Atomium has acquired 30 original or contemporary models representing different pavilions from Expo 58. These have been restored and created by Ghent University using archived documents to make sure the reconstructions were faithful to the originals. Using archived documents, photographs and videos from the era as well as countless models, this exhibition will take visitors on a journey back in time to this unforgettable, breathtaking event. For some, this is the perfect opportunity to rediscover this enchanting experience; for others, who know nothing about Expo 58 and its passion for progress, this is a chance to learn about this magical time which still infuses the Atomium with its energy.
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THE TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS_www.atomium.be/expo Sphere of temporary exhibitions / on three floors_levels 2, 3, 4 & 5 Organised with the support of international institutions, these exhibitions are aimed at the general public, with a special focus on schools who can get the most out of trips with the help of a guide and for some exhibitions a teaching pack. Architectonic. Concrete walls (1958-1980). As part of its series of exhibitions dedicated to architecture and design after 1958, the Atomium will present, Architectonic. Façades en béton (1958-1980) [Architectonic. Concrete walls (1958-1980)]. This exhibition will be a great opportunity to learn about the technical aspects and aesthetic dimension of a major, fundamental element of post-war Belgian and international architecture. Concrete has the ability to surprise! It amazes with its ability to produce striking architecture. Since the beginning of the last century, concrete has gradually made its mark on architecture, for better and sometimes for worse. Architectonic is spread over three floors to help visitors truly appreciate the architecture of the buildings that we use every day. >> 16.12.2011-14.04.2012 Water for all. The new exhibition “Water for all” at the Atomium puts an important actual theme at the forefront. The ambition of this project is to see where we are with the water usage and preservation worldwide. It’s again a collaboration with “Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie” in Paris. This exhibition provides a geopolitical assessment of the water situation in the world and tackles the many issues raised by water management in the near future. Designed to be fun, educational and eye-catching, it is suitable for families – teenagers, parents, grandparents – and schools, and encourages everyone to consider their individual responsibility for preserving and haring the planet’s resources. >> 26.04.2012-02.09.2012 Intersections#2 Halfway between sculpture and architecture, the Atomium is a place dedicated to design. Thanks to the partnership with Design September young Belgian designers and their work are again put into the forefront to honour the contemporary design. Intersections. Belgian Design#2 asks the question about the origin of the current design. This exposition gives a fresh perspective on creative work and its evolution. >> 14.09.2012-06.01.2013
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A PLACE OF DISCOVERY_www.atomium.be/kidsphere Unavoidable icon of Brussels and Belgium, important place for international tourism, unique creation in the history of architecture and emblematic vestige of the World Fair in Brussels (Expo 58): the Atomium presents temporary exhibitions all year long. So many different options for an enriching and informative school trip, from primary school kids through to young adults.
KIDS’ SPHERE The creation and development of the Kids’ sphere was the result of the Atomium’s desire to create an educational project based on the building’s characteristics and features as well as its history and its symbolic value. The resulting project invites children to spend a night at the Atomium; to marvel at the panoramic view of Brussels from its spheres; and to make the most of their visit to discover other symbolic parts of Brussels…
>>> As far as the practicalities are concerned, the group of children and their accompanying adults arrive at the Atomium at 6pm and spend the night there. A film is put on, and all meals and facilities are laid on in the Sphere. The children sleep in small groups (3-4 maximum) in the mini-spheres, also referred to, rather poetically, as raindrops, which have been specially designed by the Spanish artist Alicia Framis. The next morning, after breakfast in the panoramic restaurant, there is a guided tour in the Atomium. The experience ends at 10am.
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Practical info This activity is only intended for primary school children, aged between 6 and 12. • capacity: between 10 (minimum) and 24 children (maximum), plus 2 accompanying adults (maximum). • times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (outside official Belgian holidays). Arrival at 6pm, departure the next morning at 10am. • price: €25/night, inclusive of all taxes, per person (children and adults). > Included in the price: • furniture (table and chairs, 1 plasma screen TV + DVD player), • the use of bathroom facilities (1 shower, 3 toilets, sinks), • the night caretakers, • the evening meal in the Kids’ sphere as well as breakfast in the panoramic restaurant, • a guided visit after breakfast, • a fun film to watch in the evening (you can bring your own DVDs). > Not included in the price: • insurance, • bedding, (please bring a sleeping bag and relatively warm pyjamas), toiletries (towel, soap etc.), • lunch, drinks other than water provided with the evening meal and hot chocolate and coffee/tea provided with breakfast (we do not sell drinks in the evening and do not serve alcohol to adults), • access to other museums or venues outside the Atomium, • items and souvenirs on sale in the Atomium shop, • any specialist guides during the visit. N.B.: access to the Kids’ sphere is inevitably via stairs. We therefore recommend that parents make sure their children’s luggage is as light as possible, and preferably contained in rucksacks.
Booking procedure All bookings are subject to an agreement between Atomium asbl and the institution, signed before the event. A deposit of €250 must be paid into Atomium absl’s bank account when the booking is confirmed. The booking comes into effect when this deposit is received. The balance must be paid at least 48 hours before the date of the event. The booking must be confirmed in writing. N.B.: if the booking is cancelled less than 60 days before the date of your stay, the deposit will not be refunded. Notification of cancellation must be confirmed in writing.
Contact > Alicia Tirmarche • alicia.tirmarche@atomium.be • www.atomium.be/kidsphere • +32 (0) 493 03 44 02
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A PLACE FOR EVENTS_www.atomium.be/mice Dare to experience the Atomium Unmistakable Symbol of Brussels and of Belgium • an international brand image • a unique piece in the history of architecture • most fascinating building of Europe’s Capital
A unique atmosphere Stainless steel domes (18m in diameter) supported by a remarkable metal frame • the most breathtaking panoramic view over Brussels • contemporary and modern lighting, especially designed for the Atomium by the celebrated lighting designer Ingo Maurer • access to the Atomium’s exhibitions
Flexible spaces Meetings • seminars • conferences • product launches incentives • cultural - scientific - professional events evenings
• •
team building events • cocktail parties • gala
5 hire options (customised options also available) > a lateral sphere - 200 people. > two areas in the central sphere - 100 & 50 people. > the upper sphere (panorama) - 80 people. > the whole of the Atomium (5 spheres including the panorama) - 800 people.
Facilities (on request) Furniture (cloakroom, back office, table) • catering • Internet • video projection • sound • lighting • stewardess • convenient parking • easily accessible location (motorway and metro) • excellent value for money.
Practical information Areas for hire
Surface (m2)
Height (m)
Concert (people)
Seminar (people)
Cocktail (people)
Banquet (people)
€ (excl. VAT) Day/Evening
Day €2.100
Lateral Sphere (Prigogine)
200
Central Sphere (Waterkeyn1)
100
5
na
20
80
na
Eve €1.000
Central Sphere (Waterkeyn2)
50
5
30
20
50
30
Day €600
Upper Sphere (panorama)
120
2,4
na
na
80
40
€1.300
1440
na
na
na
800
350
€12.000
All of the Atomium
8
180
150
200
160 Eve €2.600
Eve
Eve
Contact > Sandra Libens • sandra.libens@atomium.be • www.atomium.be/mice • +32 (0)2 475 47 72
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION_www.atomium.be/practical Address  Square de l'Atomium / Atomiumsquare B-1020 Brussels The Atomium is located in the North-East of the city of Brussels, a 5 minute walk from the Heysel / Heizel metro station (line 6) and right opposite Mini-Europe. Free parking for Tourist bus (100m from the Atomium).
Access Tube > a 5 minute walk from the Heysel / Heizel metro station (line 6). Touristical bus (Hop on Hop off) > stop in front of the Atomium. Discounts on presentation of an Open-Tours ticket (www.citysightseeingbrussel.be) Train (SNCB/NMBS) > the B-Excursion option is available from any station in Belgium, and includes a combined Atomium-Mini Europe package.
Opening times The Atomium is open every day, from 10am until 6pm (ticket office closes at 5.30pm).
Admission fees 2011 INDIVIDUALS & GROUPS 0-6 coach drivers
6-11
12-18 students > 65
teachers
adults (<65)
Individual
Free
6
8
9
11
Group (>20)
Free
4
6
7
9
Category
COMBINED TICKET ATOMIUM + MINI-EUROPE (open from 17.03.2012 to 06.01.2013) kids (< 6 & < 1,2m)
kids (6 - 11)
12-18 students
seniors (> 65)
adults (19-65)
Individual
Free
15,20
20,30
20,30
23,10
Group (>20)
Free
10,25
12,05
13,90
18,30
Category
> MINI-EUROPE: www.minieurope.eu
COMBINED TICKET ATOMIUM + PLANETARIUM Category
6-11
+12
adults
seniors
teachers
Individual
9
11
15
11
12
Group (>20)
6
8
12
9
9
> PLANETARIUM: www.planetarium.be
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Partnerships & advantages With a Brussels Card or coupons of Must of Brussels, visitors receive an advantageous entrance ticket.
On presentation of an Open Tours ticket (Hop on Hop off bus), a reduction will be granted at the Atomium cash desk. A combined ticket with Mini-Europe is also available with a B-excursion ticket (train, transport from the terminus, admission) from the Belgian railway (SNCB / NMBS).
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>>> Mini Europe and its 350 models present the most beautiful towns of the Old Continent, at the foot of the Atomium.
Guided visit To make the most of your trip to the Atomium, we organize professionally qualified guided tours (last one starts at 4.30pm), on reservation only . Reservation at least 2 weeks prior to the visit The tour lasts about an hour and half, and will take you from the base sphere to the panoramic views, through all the different areas open to the public. You’ll hear all about the history of the Atomium – from its construction to its renovation – Expo 58 (permanent exhibition) and the temporary exhibition. Bookings for groups of up to 25 people. For larger groups, you can book more than one guide. We do ask that there is at least 1 adult per group of 10 children/ students. Guide (FR-NL-EN-DE-ES-IT-RU): €70
Contact > Yvonne Boodts • yvonne.boodts@atomium.be • +32 (0)2 475 47 78
Audio guides and digital guides (International Sign language)
Audio guides The audio-guides provide a very simple way of accompanying you on your journey around the Atomium and include lots of information about the venue, plus sound clips from the period. The content of the audioguides covers the history of the Atomium, from its construction to its renovation, as well as Expo 58 (permanent exhibition). > Available languages: ARABIC - BG - 汉语 - CZ - DE - DK - EE - EN - ES - FI - FR - GR - HU - IE - IL - IT - LT - LV - MT - NL - PL - PT - RO - RU - SE - SI - SK - TR. > Hire from the ticket office for €2.
Digital guides There are video-guides in International Sign language for the hard-of-hearing. > Hire from the ticket office for €2. Atomium - Vade Mecum - 2012
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Cafeteria & terrace > On the ground floor (open access), in the extension of the ticket office. Open every day (11am-6pm): snacks, sandwiches, cakes and wafers.
Restaurant > During the day (11.30am-3pm), à la carte, pub food, menu for groups (booking essential), children’s menu. > During the evening (7pm-11pm/booking strongly recommended): gourmet menu.
Contact > Belgian Taste: T. +32 (0)2 479 58 50 • F. +32 (0)2 240 15 19 • www.belgiumtaste.com
>>> From left to right: the terrace, the cafeteria and the panoramic restaurant.
On the (mobile) Web > Full internet site, including photo library and press room : www.atomium.be > iPhone app’ (January 2012) > Second most popular venue in Belgium on Places (Facebook) and FourSquare
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The panorama Departure from the ground floor with the elevator to the panorama (level 7)
The exhibitions Departure on foot from the ground floor* to the upper levels > Permanent exhibition (levels 1 & 2) / Temporary exhibition (levels 3-4-5) / View point (level 6) (*) This part of the tour includes besides escalators, 80 steps to go up and 167 steps to get down divided over different levels.
The Children’s sphere is only accessible for schools on reservation only or during prescheduled workshops. The other spheres are technical areas, or exclusively reserved for hire and therefore not open to the general public. The panorama restaurant (level 8) is – strictly speaking – not part of the visit but it is freely accessible from level 7 if you want to eat or drink something. Apart from the upper sphere, which is accessible by the lift, the rest of the Atomium is not easy for people with restricted mobility, and unfortunately it is not suitable for wheelchairs. This is because of the very design of the building, which was constructed at a time when this was simply not an issue. Everything possible was done during the restoration work in 2005, and we do apologise that we can’t offer easier access to people with restricted mobility. Anyone who needs assistance (people in wheelchairs etc.) must be accompanied.
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SERVICES FOR PARTNERS Photo library The image of the Atomium is protected and can only be used under certain conditions. Exclusively available to journalists and anybody responsible for tourism and cultural promotion: high resolution photos from the photo library can be downloaded free of charge. Go to the photo library (www.atomium.be/photo) Click on the picture to enlarge • Click on download the original at the bottom of the picture and enter the username (press) and the password (thankyou) • •
Please note that the copyright must be mentioned with every photo. The image of the Atomium cannot be reproduced or broadcasted without the authorization of the asbl Atomium.
Contacts > Info about the photo library: Inge Van Eycken • inge.vaneycken@atomium.be • +32 (0)479 95 05 94
Editorial We have a range of standard texts about the Atomium, its history and cultural events for you to use.
Contact > Press officer: Inge Van Eycken • inge.vaneycken@atomium.be • +32 (0)479 95 05 94
Press releases and press files Photos and press releases about what’s on at the Atomium can be downloaded from the virtual press room (www.atomium.be/press). You can find photos, press releases and press files about the temporary exhibitions on their dedicated pages (www.atomium.be/expo). For any other questions, please contact one of the following people:
Contacts > Content of the exhibitions: Arnaud Bozzini • arnaud.bozzini@atomium.be • +32 (0)2 476 53 20 31 > Press officer: Inge Van Eycken • inge.vaneycken@atomium.be • +32 (0)479 95 05 94 > Creative director & media production: Axel Addington • axel.addington@atomium.be
Posters • advertisements • inserts For events taking place at the Atomium or for which the Atomium is the main partner, our team can take care of all your graphic design needs.
Contacts > Direction: Julie Almau Gonzalez • julie.almau@atomium.be • +32 (0)474 88 52 58 > Creative Director & Copy: Axel Addington • axel.addington@atomium.be
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YOU’VE GOT A CUTE
HAPPY FACE !
futuristic & universal, since 1958
From the 4th of March, > >
DOWNLOAD YOUR PICTURE ON
www.atomium.be/brusselsmania TAG YOURSELF ON THE
Facebook page of the Atomium
… & THE ATOMIUM
THE BELGIAN LANDMARK
THIS IS THE FIRST SIGHT OF BRUSSELS YOU’LL SEE WHEN LANDING THIS IS ALSO THE FIRST BUILDING YOU’LL VISIT AFTER LANDING -/34æ0/05,!2æ4/52)34æ!442!#4)/.æ/&æ%52/0% 3æ#!0)4!,æ)#/.æ/&æ"%,')5-æsæ30%#4!#5,!2æ0!./2!-!æ /6%2æ4(%æ#)49æ/&æ"2533%,3æsæ5.)15%æ#2%!4)/.æ).æ4(%æ()34/29æ/&æ!2#()4%#452%æsæ%-",%-!4)#æ6%34)'%æ OF THE WORLD FAIR IN BRUSSELS (EXPO 58)
OPEN 365/365
IN FRONT OF MINI-EUROPE
WWW.ATOMIUM.BE
© www.laurentphotoaerial.be [Alexandre Laurent]
LOVES YOU TOO!
« Pour un monde plus humain. » Devise de l’Expo 58 dont l’Atomium était le bâtiment-phare
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> ATOMIUM
Ouvert tous les jours, de 10h à 18h, fermeture des caisses à 17h30 Square de l’Atomium, B-1020 Bruxelles
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TEL FAX
+32 2 475 47 75 +32 2 475 47 79
info@atomium.be www.atomium.be
10/09/10 11:04:18
THE OCCIDENTAL PEARL IS SHINING IN BRUSSELS
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Tourism partnerships Are you a guide or a travel agent who wants to include the Atomium in a particular package? Our team can help you create the solution that’s best for you.
Contact > Julie Almau Gonzalez • julie.almau@atomium.be • +32 (0) 474 885 258
Commercial partnerships Would you like to lend your company’s support to an exhibition that everybody’s talking about, or to an innovative new project? Become a partner of the Atomium. We would love to create a new partnership which works for you and us.
Contact > Julie Almau Gonzalez • julie.almau@atomium.be • +32 (0) 474 885 258
ATOMIUMWELCOMEPRICE This offer permits to hotel owners to buy entrance tickets at the price of 7€ a ticket in packages of 100 units (this means a reduction of 4€ compared to the regular price). They can sell them to their customers at the price of 9€ a ticket, which also means an advantage to them (a reduction of 2€).
Venue hire If you’re looking for a practical, unique events venue, ideal for dinners, events, business meetings, product launches, press conferences and cocktail parties, you’ve come to the right place! Have a look at our solutions online, or call our events manager.
Contact
> Sandra Libens • sandra.libens@atomium.be • www.atomium.be/mice • +32 (0)2 475 47 72
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CONTACTS Atomium a.s.b.l. Square de l’Atomium B-1020 BRUXELLES T. +32 (0)2 475 47 75 (365/365: 10am-5pm) F. +32 (0)2 475 47 79 www.atomium.be
Please contact one of the following, depending on the nature of your request or comment.
Management
Henri Simons - Director > henri.simons@atomium.be Julie Almau Gonzalez - Deputy-Director Commercial & tourism partnerships > julie.almau@atomium.be • +32 (0) 474 885 258 Johan Vandenperre - Deputy-Director Technical management > johan.vandenperre@atomium.be • +32 (0)476 32 37 03
Communication
Inge Van Eycken Communication & Press Officer > inge.vaneycken@atomium.be • +32 (0)479 95 05 94 Axel Addington Creative Director - copy - e-community manager > axel.addington@atomium.be
Services for partners
Yvonne Boodts Reception & group bookings – guided tours > yvonne.boodts@atomium.be • +32 (0)2 475 47 78 Arnaud Bozzini Curator (permanent & temporary exhibitions) > arnaud.bozzini@atomium.be • +32 (0)2 476 53 20 31 Sandra Libens Venue hire (MICE) > sandra.libens@atomium.be • +32 (0)2 475 47 72 Bénédicte Lejeune Shop management > benedicte.lejeune@atomium.be • +32 (0)2 475 47 71 Alicia Tirmarche Kids’ Sphere (information & booking) > alicia.tirmarche@atomium.be • +32 (0) 493 03 44 02
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