The Brussels World Exposition 1958
Fairground of the Atomic Age

Year: 1958 City: Brussels Country: Belgium Duration: 17th April - 19 October 1958

1  Copyright: Le Memorial officiel de l'Exposition universelle et internationale de Bruxelles 1958-1962, Bd. 4, S.

In Brussels in 1958, euphoria about new technical possibilities outweighed attempts to reflect critically about technical progress. The Arms Race between East and West had heightened the controversy about the use of atomic energy – yet the Atomium, symbol of the atomic age and the landmark of the exhibition, laid emphasis only on the peaceful use of atomic power. The beginning of the age of electronics was celebrated with stunning multi-media spectacles; models of the “Sputnik” demonstrated the achievements of space travel. The pavilions, futuristic sculptures in space, pointed to the infinite possibilities of new building technologies and daring, suspended constructions symbolised speed and the conquest of gravity.