THE MAGIC OF ARCHITECTURE. THE JOY OF CULTURE. Vade Mecum
p rog r a m m i n g & p r ac t i c a l
Futuristic & Universal, since 1958 ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
1
Vade Mecum
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
A very strong brand image
p. 4
The star of Instagram
p. 5
An unavoidable monument
p. 7
A place for exhibitions
p. 8
A place of discovery
p. 10
A place for events
p. 12
Practical information
p. 13
The Tour
p. 16
Services for partners
p. 17
Contacts
p. 20
3
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, 58.000 INSTAGRAM’s, 135.000 images shared on Flickr, over 35.000 fans on Facebook, 102.000 images tagged on Facebook, 15.000 fans on Pinterest and an average of 2.300 unique visitors to the website every day.
préc
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
...
suiv
(135 227 résultats) ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
4
more than
58.000 shots
F O R A T S E TH
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
6
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.
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
7
A PLACE FOR EXHIBITIONS Agenda 2015 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. The Atomium. From symbol to icon. www.atomium.be / expo58 The exhibition Atomium. From symbol to icon is spread over 2 floors (levels 1 & 2) and the panorama (level 7). It tells the history of this pavillion of more than 50 years old and how it became, with time, the symbol of the city of Brussels and of Belgium. Permanent exhibition on three floors base sphere + the panorama [levels 1, 2 & 7]
Using archived documents, photographs, souvenirs 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 (base sphere / levels 1 & 2). In the panorama (level 7) the visitor gets extensive information about the location of Brussels’ buildings and districts. Certain European and world cities are situated as well so the visitor can orientate himself. Finally he can compare images of Expo 58 with what he can see from the panorama today. 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 energ
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
8
THE TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS www.atomium.be / expo 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. • Orange dreams Through a series of paintings and installations, Orange Dreams reveals all the most entertaining and original aspects of plastic design. Based on the Plasticarium’s fantastic collection, the exhibition gives visitors the chance to (re)discover this iconic material of the “Golden Sixties” and the consumer society. From everyday objects to works of art: the colour orange links forms to unbridled creativity in a remarkable exhibition designed especially for the Atomium. 26.11.2014 > 25.05.2015
Sphere of temporary exhibitions / on three floors [levels 3, 4 & 5]
26.11
2014
25.05
2015
atomium Square de l’Atomiumsquare - 1020 Bruxelles-Brussel
www.atomium.be/orangedreams
www.designbysign.com
Plastic is Fantastic . le Plastique, c’est Fantastique . Plastiek is MagniFiek
• ARTVIEW#3
ARTVIEW 03
Artview is an original concept presenting contemporary art. The first ambition of Artview is to look to both the contemporary art lovers as well as to the creators. For its third edition Artview is working together with the Museum of Elsene and its contemporary art. 24.04.2015 > 28.06.2015 • id#2015
Launched in the summer of 2013, ID# [Innovative Display] is Atomium’s summer festival dedicated to the digital arts. So each year, the Atomium maes its exhibition spaces available to artists, giving them carte blanche to do with them whatever they want. ID#2015 analyses the qualities of light, sound and space. The product of this process is an original, contemporary installation specifically designed for the Atomium. 04.06.15 > 18.10.2015
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
9
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 6 pm 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 minispheres, 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 10 am.
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
10
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). Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (outside official Belgian holidays). Arrival at 6 pm, departure the next morning at 10 am.
• times:
• price:
30 € per person (child and adult)
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 care-takers > 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 €300 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 •
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
www.atomium.be/kidsphere
•
+32 (0) 493 03 44 02
11
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 (18 m 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 famous lighting designer Ingo Maurer • access to the Atomium’s exhibitions Flexible spaces Meetings • seminars • conferences • product launches • team building events scientific - professional events • cocktail parties • gala evenings 6 hire options • • • • •
•
incentives
•
cultural -
(customised options also available)
a lateral sphere - 200 people two areas in the central sphere - 100 & 50 people the kids’ sphere (viewpoint) - 80 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 Height Concert Seminar Cocktail Banquet € (excl. VAT) (m2) (m) (people) (people) (people) (people) Day / Evening
Lateral Sphere (Prigogine) 200 8 Central Sphere (Waterkeyn 1) 100 5 Central Sphere (Waterkeyn 2) 50 5 Upper Sphere 120 2,4 (panorama) Kids’ Sphere (view point) 200 8 All of the Atomium 1440 na
Day: €2.100 Eve: €2.600
180
150
200
160
na
20
80
na
30
20
50
30
Eve: €1.150 Day: €800 Eve: € 1.000
na
na
80
40
Eve: €1.300
25 na 80 40 Eve: €1.750 * na na 800 350 Eve: €12.000
( )
* Fri. - Sat. - Sun. ONLY (16 people per night)
Contact Sandra Libens ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
•
sandra.libens@atomium.be
•
www.atomium.be/mice
•
+32 (0)2 475 47 72 12
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 Brusselsa 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 10 am until 6 pm (ticket office closes at 5.30 pm). • 24 and 31 December: from 10am to 4pm (ticket office closes at 3.15pm). • 25 December and 1 January: from 12pm to 6pm (ticket office closes at 5.30pm). • Restricted access: due to annual maintenance for the lift, the upper sphere [panorama & restaurant] will not be open from 3 to 13 February 2015. The four other spheres [6 levels] will still be open and the entry fee will be adjusted during this period.
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
13
Admission fees 2015 TICKET ATOMIUM: INDIVIDUALS & GROUPS Category
Individual group (>20)
FREE FREE
0 - 5 / coach drivers / disabled persons 6 -11
6 4
12 - 18 / students / ≥ 60
8 6
teachers (with teachers card)
9 7 11 9
adults (19 - 59) COMBINED TICKET ATOMIUM + MINI-EUROPE
(open from 14.03.2015 to 03.01.2016)
Category
Individual group (>20)
kids (< 6 & < 1,2 m)
FREE FREE
kids (6 - 11)
15,80 10,45
12 - 18 / students
21,20 12,25
adults (19 - 59)
23,60 18,80
seniors (≥ 60)
21,20 14,35
combined ticket Atomium + Mini-Europe + Oceade Category
Individual group (>20)
kids (6 - 11)
24,00
16,70* / 20,75**
12 - 18 / students
32,80
18,50* / 20,75**
adults (19 - 59)
35,20 28,70
seniors (≥ 60)
32,80 24,90
* week (unless weekend, Belgian public & school holidays) ** weekend + Belgian public & school holidays
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
14
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).
Upon presentation of the ticket of one the Atomium or the Planetarium, you get a reduction on the entrance fee of the other two institutions. This action is only valid for individual tickets. GUIDE BOOK To deepen their visit, we offer a comprehensive guide book accessible to all audiences. This is the essential complement proposed for free, to enjoy his visit to the Atomium. • Available in 6 languages (EN • FR • NL • DE • ES • IT) • 24 pages per language • 92 color illustrations per language • Unpublished texts that complement the information from records and audio-guides • Specific plans for easy retrieval • Free download on our website guided tours •
• •
•
• •
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
To make the most of your trip to the Atomium, we organize professionally qualified guided tours (last one starts at 4.30 pm), 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. (www.atomium.be/form) Guide (FR • NL • EN • DE • ES • IT • русский): € 80 Contact: Yvonne Boodts • yvonne.boodts@atomium.be • +32 (0)2 475 47 78
15
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 audio-guides covers the history of the Atomium, from its construction to its renovation, as well as Expo 58 (permanent exhibition). Available languages: FR • NL • EN • ES • IT • DE • PL • PT • 日本語 • 中文 • • русский
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. snack bar & terrace • •
On the ground floor (open access), in the extension of the ticket office. Open every day (10 am - 6 pm): snacks, sandwiches, cakes and wafers.
Restaurant Bar Service: From Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm • Lunch Service: From Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 3pm - Sunday, 12pm to 5pm • Dinner Service: From Monday to Saturday, 7pm to 9.30pm • Closed Sundays nights • Contact: Belgian Taste: T. +32 (0)2 479 58 50 • F. +32 (0)2 240 15 19 www.belgiumtaste.com Booking required •
On the (mobile) Web • •
Full internet site, including photo library and press room. Second most popular venue in Belgium on Places (Facebook) and FourSquare (more than 23.000 check-ins).
social web atomium.be/facebook - atomium.be/facebookexpo atomium.be/pin atomium.be/twitter atomium.be/youtube
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
16
THE TOUR
Part 1: the panorama LEVELS 0 & 7 - VIA LIFT
LEVEL 8
8
Toilets
Restaurant
7
Part 2: EXHIBITIONS LEVELS 1-2-3-4-5-6: STAIRS & escalators
FOR HIRE
Waterkeyn Room
5 4 FOR HIRE
CHILDREN’S SPHERE
3
Prigogine Room
Accessible only to primary schools (booking required or during scheduled activities)
6
2 1 TERRACE
ENTRANCE
0
Sandwiches & drinks
EXIT
ticket office
Via the shop
Audio-guides Toilets VISIT / PART 1: THE PANORAMA [LEVELS 0 & 7 - VIA LIFT]
0
MAIN HALL [LIFT / ESCALATORS / SHOP]
VISIT / PART 2: EXHIBITIONS [LEVELS 1 > 6: STAIRS]
1
PERMANENT EXHIBITION
5
TEMPORARY EXHIBITION
VISIT / PART 2: EXHIBITIONS [LEVELS 1 > 6: ESCALATORS]
2
PERMANENT EXHIBITION
6
VIEWPOINT
OFF THE tour
3
TEMPORARY EXHIBITION
7
360° PANORAMA & toilets
TICKETS / ENTRANCE / SHOP / TERRACE
4
TEMPORARY EXHIBITION
8
Restaurant
The panorama
(Tour / part 1)
Departure from the ground floor [level 0] with the elevator to the panorama [level 7]. The exhibitions
(Tour / part 2)
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.
( )
• •
•
•
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
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 panoramic 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. 17
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/media) • 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 not 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. Contact •
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
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
18
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
19
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
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.
ATOMIUM WELCOME PRICE 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 €).
Contact •
Sandra Libens
•
sandra.libens@atomium.be
ATOMIUM - VADE MECUM - 2015
•
www.atomium.be/mice
•
+32 (0)2 475 47 72
20
CONTACTS
Atomium a.s.b.l. Square de l’Atomium B-1020 BRUXELLES T. +32 (0)2 475 47 75 (365 / 365: 10 am - 5 pm) F. +32 (0)2 475 47 79 www.atomium.be atomium.be/facebook - atomium.be/facebookexpo atomium.be/pin atomium.be/twitter atomium.be/youtube 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
Responsible publisher: Henri SIMONS, asbl ATOMIUM vzw, Square de l’Atomium / Atomiumsquare, B-1020 BRUSSELS - 141019
Strategy Communication •
Inge Van Eycken - Communication & Press Officer inge.vaneycken@atomium.be • +32 (0)479 95 05 94
•
Axel Addington - Strategy - Creative Director - copy - e-community manager axel.addington@atomium.be
cultural development •
Arnaud Bozzini - Curator (permanent & temporary exhibitions) arnaud.bozzini@atomium.be • +32 (0)2 476 53 20 31
•
Alicia Tirmarche - Kids’ Sphere (information & booking) alicia.tirmarche@atomium.be • +32 (0) 493 03 44 02
Services for partners •
Yvonne Boodts - Reception & group bookings - guided tours yvonne.boodts@atomium.be • +32 (0)2 475 47 78
•
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