Category : Brussels
Though the true origin of Art Deco is open to interpretation, as is the true definition of an architectural style that includes so many different styles under its umbrella, we all know it when we see it. And though we associate Art Deco with the gleaming skyscrapers of Manhattan (the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building) and the Day-Glo hotels of Miami (the Astor and the Berkeley), the style originated in Europe. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the Old Country still boasts many breathtaking examples of this architecture style we all love so much. Here are five notable examples.
Palais de Tokyo, Paris France
For our first Art Deco treasure we go to the city where it all started; Paris, host of the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, where we find the Palais de Tokyo. Built for the 1937 International Exhibition of Arts and Technology as the Palais des Musées d’art modern, this extraordinary building is now home to a museum, as well as a studio and laboratory space for resident artists and curators. The Palais de Tokyo also boasts a wonderful location, set right between the River Seine and the Avenue de New York and just across the river from the Eiffel Tower. With such a central Paris location, it’s no surprise that there are so many excellent hotels surrounding it.
Guildhall, Swansea, United Kingdom
It’s hard to miss the towering Guildhall. But one would expect the building that served as the City Hall, City Hall, Brangwyn Hall and the County Law Courts for Swansea to be built to attract attention. Built between 1930 and 1934, the Guildhall was quite controversial, as it was certainly a departure for civic architecture of the times. But the building has become one of Swansea’s most iconic symbols. Clad in white Portland stone, the Guildhall boasts a distinctive clock tower. If you look closely, you’ll see the sculpted the prow of a Viking boat, representing Sweyn Forkbeard and the rest of the city’s Viking founders. Many of the nearby hotels provide excellent views of the Guildhall.
Tuschinski Theatre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
With its iconic Graumann’s Chinese Theatre and Radio City Music Hall, the USA is home to the greatest Art Deco movie palaces in the world. And then there’s Amsterdam’s Tuschinski Theatre. Built in 1921 by theatre owner Abraham Icek Tuschinski, this hauntingly beautiful theatre transforms you to another world. Designed for live entertainment as well as movies, the Tuschinski still has its Wurlitzer-Strunk organ, a rarity even among the rarity of surviving movie palaces. Designed by Hijman Louis de Jong, the theatre also retains its original stage. Tuschinski also had four movie palaces built in Rotterdam between 1911 and 1928 but all were destroyed in that city’s World War II bombing. In fact, Tuschinski, being Jewish, also did not survive the war, meeting his end in Auschwitz. But a visit to his masterpiece proves that his name will live on. Located in Amsterdam’s centre, the Tuschinski is close to many hotels.
Bucharest Telephone Palace, Bucharest, Romania
This imposing piece of Art Deco architecture, known locally as the Palatul Telefoanelor, was finished in 1934. In the throes of the Depression, the building was funded by the American Morgan Bank, which was rewarded with a 20-year monopoly on the Romanian telephone industry. A resilient building, the Telephone Palace survived not only the earthquakes of 1940, 1977, 1986 and 1990, but also the Allied bombings of 1944. Designed by Edmond Van Saanen Algi, the building has lasted longer than the Morgan deal, as the post-World War II Communist government nationalized the telephone industry. After years of neglect, a €1 million renovation was undertaken, which was completed in 2005, returning this wonderful Art Deco gem to its original grandeur in the largest architectural reconstruction project ever undertaken in Romania. To see the results, you might want to check out one of the nearby Bucharest hotels.
National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Koekelberg, Belgium
In a continent full of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque Churches, the Art Deco National Basilica of the Sacred Heart (French: Basilique Nationale du Sacré-Cœur, Dutch: Nationale Basiliek van het Heilig-Hart) is truly unique. And truly beautiful. When construction began in 1905 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Belgium’s independence, there was no such thing as Art Deco, and a more traditional look was intended. But with two World Wars interrupting construction, the final stone was not laid until 1969, and by then architect Albert Van Huffel 1930s plan was adopted. Gazing up at the two thin towers and 89 metre-high green copper dome is a memorable experience, and the Basilica has become an integral part of the city skyline, allowing you to view the hilltop from many a Brussels hotel room.
Like any major European city worth its salt, Brussels has a great collection of interesting museums. There are, of course, the requisite art and history museums—those that beautifully depict the story of Brussels’ life thus far. However, any avid museumgoer can understandably tire of seeing the same collections over and over. Luckily, in Brussels, it is easy to cure this boredom! Here are five of the city’s most unusual—and therefore exciting—museums:
Magritte Museum
Probably the most famous Belgian artist of all time, Magritte was a prolific painter whose legacy lives on today. Even those not familiar with surrealist art may have heard his name—and even those who have not heard his name may recognize some of his most iconic images: the suited man wearing a bowler hat whose face is covered with a green apple, for example, or the wooden pipe with the words “ceci n’est pas une pipe” (“this is not a pipe”) inscribed beneath. The Magritte Museum celebrates these and other visual witticisms. Since first opening its doors in June of 2009, the new addition to Brussels’ collection of museums is quickly becoming one of its most popular.
the exterior of the Magritte Museum
Belgian Comic Strip Center
The country that brought you the colorful adventures of Tintin has always had a soft spot for comics. And if you are young or simply young at heart, you may share Belgium’s love of the whimsical art form. At the Belgian Comic Strip Center in Brussels, you can learn everything there is to know about the history of classic comics. Light, easy-to-follow exhibits promise fun for the whole family. Meanwhile, the building itself is worth examining: Designed by the famous Art Nouveau master Victor Horta, the Belgian Comic Strip Center’s home is a local landmark and architectural monument.
The Musical Instrument Museum
Easily identified by its striking Art Nouveau façade, this Brussels museum is as famous for its architecture as it is for its exhibits. Throughout the building, you will find fascinating displays that celebrate the history of music from around the world. Ancient and modern instruments have been carefully organized and labeled with their names, countries of origin, and dates. Upon entering the Musical Instrument Museum, you will be provided with a set of infrared-controlled headphones. Stand next to a particular instrument, and you will hear its music played on the headphones. The beautiful museum is also home to a concert hall and a panoramic rooftop restaurant.
inside the Musical Instrument Museum
Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze
Belgian beer is undoubtedly one of the country’s greatest exports, and a major reason to visit the city of Brussels. Instead of merely sampling the hearty, frothy brew in a pub, why not take a tour of a working brewery? The Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze serves dual purposes as a beer museum and the headquarters of Cantillon, the last label to make their beer in the traditional Brussels style (fermented not by the addition of yeast, but by leaving the liquid open to the skies and nature’s whims.) The resulting beer is called a “lambic” (or a “gueuze” when aged) and the price of your museum tour includes a glass.
Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat
What would a visit to Belgium be without chocolate? Instead of finding out, head to the Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat near the Grand Place! Housed within the historic Valk mansion that was once a brewery, this Brussels museum is truly a local landmark. The exhibits within the historic walls pay homage to the country’s sweetest pastime: the making—and consuming—of all things chocolate. Informative displays teach visitors about the history of chocolate (beginning with the first cultivation of cocoa beans by the Aztecs) while a master chocolatier handcrafts mouthwatering masterpieces right before your eyes. After witnessing such a splendid, sugary display, you will probably be hungry. Luckily, the Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat has a gift shop wherein you may purchase what you are craving.
chocolate clothing at the Musée du Cacao et du Chocolate
Recommended hotels in Brussels: the NH Grand Place Arenberg, the Sofitel Brussels Le Louise
Posted in Barcelona, Belgium, Brussels, Dublin, France, Frankfurt, Germany, Ireland, Italy, London, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Paris, Spain, The UK on 23. Sep, 2010
If you thought that high-end outlet malls were only to be found in the USA, then think again. Less than an hour from nine European cities are the nine shopping venues belonging to Chic Outlet Shopping, known collectively as “The Villages.” Each one is a destination in itself, an open-air shopping Mecca hosting between 50 and 140 European luxury brand outlet boutiques, from Abro to Zoo York. The shops range from European to international, with each also featuring shops representative of the host country. Each is easy to reach from its host city via a shuttle. The store directories and shuttle information can be found on the website for each village.
LONDON (Bicester Village)
Bicester Village offers over 130 outlet stores, all set in the village of Bicester in the heart of the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. The Village has its own Italian and French restaurants, and also provides the perfect excuse to explore all the attractions of Oxfordshire. London itself is only 60 minutes away, and the shops at the village provide you with up to 60% discounts on the recommended retail price. You can either make Bicester Village a daytrip from your London hotel or stay closer to the action in a Bicester hotel.
DUBLIN (Kildare Village)
Just an hour from Dublin, in the heart of County Kildare you’ll find many horse farms and horse-racing venues. You’ll also find Kildare Village, home to more than 55 luxury boutiques. Kildare Village specializes in providing you with a broad selection of the collections of the previous season in famous international names in both fashion and homeware. Discounts here also reach up to 60% of the retailers’ recommended price. The charming village of Kildare offers one hotel, and nearby villages like Newbridge offer other accommodations. Or you can always stay in the vibrant capital city of Dublin itself.
PARIS (La Vallée Village)
It should come as no surprise that the fashion capital of the planet for the last several centuries would play host to a luxury outlet mall. La Vallée Village is just 35 minutes from the City of Light. And if you need something to calm the kids down while you shop, you can promise them a trip to Disneyland Paris, which is just five minutes away in the neighboring city of Marne-la-Vallée. In the meantime, you can lose yourself among the 90 luxury outlet boutiques where you’ll find low prices on Paris’s finest. There are many Paris hotels, as well as closer hotels in the town of Bailly-Romainvilliers, which plays host to La Vallée Village, and neighboring towns like Magny-le-Hongre and Serris.
MADRID (Las Rozas Village)
Set right between the Spanish capital Madrid and the amazing El Escorial, the residence and final resting place of many Spanish kings and queens, Las Rozas Village offers up to 60% reductions in over 100 luxury outlet boutique shops. Many Spanish brands are represented, along with international stores. The Village is located in the Madrid suburb of Las Rozas de Madrid, which boasts some fine hotels. But if you’d rather enjoy the excitement of the capital city that never sleeps, many Madrid hotels are only 30 minutes away.
BARCELONA (La Roca Village)
Located in the heart of Catalonia, La Roca Village provides not only international designer brand outlet boutiques and not only their Spanish counterparts, but also the unique opportunity to buy from authentic Catalan designer shops. The stores at La Roca Village offer discounts of up to 60%, and the location is also excellent. Only 40 minutes from Barcelona’s vibrant city centre, La Roca Village puts you on the road to the beautiful Costa Brava, so you’d better be sure to buy a swim suit while you’re there. La Roca Village is located in the town of Granollers, which offers a selection of hotels. Or maybe you’d rather spend the night in a hotel or apartment in Barcelona itself.
MILAN (Fidenza Village)
Residents of Milan might take exception to the designation of Paris as the fashion capital of the world. And after a day in Fidenza Village, you might end up agreeing with them. While the shops of Milan itself are notoriously expensive, Fidenza Village offer up to 70% reductions in more than 100 luxury outlet boutiques. The world’s leading Italian and international fashion brands are available, and Fidenza Village is an hour away from both Milan and the exciting university city of Bologna. Milan offers a wide range of hotels that are convenient to the Village shuttle. Or you can stay in the Hotel Astoria or Hotel Fidenza in the town of Fidenza itself.
BRUSSELS (Maasmechelen Village)
Though known more for its chocolates and its beautifully preserved medieval core than for its fashion, the city of Brussels is just an hour’s drive (or shuttle ride) from the 95 luxury outlet boutiques of Maasmechelen Village. Here you can save from 30% to 60% off the recommended retail price on the previous season’s collections from leading Belgian and international names in fashion, homeware and home décor. Set at the beautiful green intersection of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, Maasmechelen Village can be combined with many international daytrips. You can use the B&B Basil in Maasmechelen as your homebase, or stay in one of the many luxurious Brussels hotels nearby.
FRANKFURT (Wertheim Village)
One of the business capitals of Europe now offers the opportunity to shop like crazy with the 110 luxury outlets of Wertheim Village 50 minutes away. Like some of the other Chic Outlet Shopping venues, Wertheim Village offers up to 60% off on the previous season’s collections, and like the other venues, you can get access to both international and German companies. Wertheim Village is also located right at the gateway to the famous Romantic Road, making it a convenient stop on your way out of Frankfurt or on your way back in. Wertheim hotels make a great Romantic Road homebase, while Frankfurt hotels put you in the middle of the action.
MUNICH (Ingolstadt Village)
And last but certainly not least are the 100 boutiques found at Ingolstadt Village, which is located just 50 minutes north of all the beer gardens, churches and Bavarian charm of the city of Munich. This lively city also has a thriving cultural scene with more art galleries and theatres than any other city in Germany. The easiest way to enjoy the 60% discounts at Ingolstadt Village is to stay at an Ingolstadt hotel, though the shuttle from central Munich makes it possible to stay in a hotel in Munich.
The Eurostar is faster than a speeding locomotive
So you’re in London. You have a day to spare, and you’d like some frites and crepes instead of fish and chips. Where do you go? Head to St. Pancras Station, hop on the Eurostar fast rail line, and you’ll be on the continent in just over an hour. Since the completion of the English Channel Tunnel (Chunnel) linking London to Calais, France, you don’t have to deal with the slow speed of the ferry or the expense and lack of spontaneity of an airplane. Just get yourself a timetable, head to the station, plunk down your money, sit back and relax.
Calais
One hour and two minutes from London. The ultimate destinations on Eurostar’s two routes are Paris and Brussels. Whichever you choose, the first city the train takes you to is Calais, right across the water from the white cliffs of Dover. For a wonderful view, you can go right to the city’s Light Tower. The magnificent Town Hall makes you feel like you’re in France with all the Rodin sculptures surrounding it. There’s a Modern Art Museum and a War Museum which is located in an actual bunker. And don’t miss the Cité Internationale de la Dentelles et de la Mode, a museum devoted to the manufacture of lace. If you finish dinner and find you’re in no hurry to head back to London, then there are many great Calais hotels where you can rest your head so you can tell people you slept in France.
Lille
One hour and 20 minutes from London. This is where the Eurostar splits between the train going to Brussels and the train going to Paris. A vibrant city due to its large student population, Lille is also a city of many museums. There’s the Musée des Beaux-Arts covering European art from 15th – 20th century, the Museum of Natural History, with its stuffed animals, the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse, which is located in a former hospital and the Musée d’Art et d’ Industrie de Roubaix: La Piscine, set in a classic Art Déco swimming pool. If you’re lucky enough to be in Lille on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday morning, you can shop for fresh fruits and veggies, books, suitcases, shoes, perfume and even French undergarments at the Marché de Wazemmes open market. There are also many Lille hotels available if you want to spend the night.
Paris
A French cafe just over two hours from Hyde Park
Two hours and 15 minutes from London’s St. Pancras Station is the City of Light. Whether it’s your first or 100th trip to Paris, the old stand-bys never fail to impress. You’ll be pulling in to the Gare du Nord, which is in walking distance from the Opera Garnier and the Pantheon, and just a little further are the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe and more. Going further afield, you can pay your last respects Père-Lachaise Cemetery or the Catacombs. And imagine the surprise on people’s faces when you return from your London trip with pictures of yourself in front of the Eiffel Tower. If you want to sleep closet to your return ride, there are plenty of hotels near the Gare du Nord where you’ll be catching your London-bound train.
Brussels
One hour and 51 minutes from London. Going the other way, the Eurostar takes you to the Gare du Midi in Brussels, which is also surrounded by many hotels. From here it’s easy to get to the Grand Place-Grote Markt, where you can discover many beautiful 300 year-old buildings, along with the city tower. It all comes alive at night when the city puts on a music and light show. Be sure to try a “gaufre de Liège-Luikse wafel” (Belgian waffle with caramelized sugar) and one of the little shops on the northeast corner. Nearby photo ops include the infamous Manneken Pis Statue, depicting a child doing what we all have to do sometimes. To go from the past to the future, you can visit gleaming Atomium, left over from the 1958 World Fair.
Antwerp
Two hours and 53 minutes from London. Though the Eurostar technically ends in Brussels, Europe’s regular rail lines are quick as well, and the ancient city of Antwerp is just sitting there waiting to be visited. Here you can find the Rubenshuis, once home to the great painter and now a museum. The 1351 Cathedral of Our Lady is quite magnificent, and the 19th century Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest in the world. If you want to go older, check out the Medieval guild houses surrounding the Old Market Square, as well as the square’s wonderful City Hall, which blends Gothic and early Renaissance architecture. Many Antwerp hotels put you right in the middle of the action. And all less than three hours from London!
Welcome home!
The country is not widely known for its winter sports. That distinction goes to the Alpine regions of Switzerland, Italy and even France. However, Belgium offers great opportunities for winter sports—and not just on the Ardennes. Although the nation’s highest peak reaches a mere 694m, the vast landscapes of Lihge, Luxembourg and Namur boast spectacular cross-country runs. In fact, there are over 60 cross-country skiing pistes on the Ardennes plateaux! Meanwhile, 10 Alpine resorts showcase the striking Hautes Fagnes nature reserve. Here are the avid skier’s best bets in Belgium:
Mont des Brumes
Situated between Francorchamps and La Gleize, Mont des Brumes is unique in the fact that it provides ample opportunities for Alpine downhill skiing in Belgium. The resort boasts one of the longest ski trails in the country—and the most beautiful in Wallonia. The highest point reaches 550m, and the length of the trail is a full kilometer. It is possible to rent ski equipment onsite, but please remember that snowboards are not allowed. Those who like to toboggan, however, can use the 150-metre track for free! Nearby hotels in Brussels and Liege (try the Best Western Univers Hotel or the Holiday Inn Liege) make it easy to spend the day here.
Skiers at Mont des Brumes
Baraque de Fraiture
The largest ski resort in Belgium, Baraque de Fraiture commands a great portion of the eastern Cantons landscape. Its dynamic terrain offers opportunities for night skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and snowscooter and snowmobile tours. The variety and affordable rates (day passes start at just 10 euros) make Baraque de Fraiture an especially great destination for families. While there, be sure to take advantage of the Belgian Ardennes’ famous après-ski offerings. Culinary treats like fine cheeses and chocolates are easy to find near the slopes and hotels in Baraque de Fraiture.
La Gleize
Close to panoramic hiking trails and the racetrack at Francorchamps, La Gleize is a popular destination year-round. However, the mountainous terrain really comes alive during the winter. This is when La Gleize and the neighboring resort of Mont des Brumes draw winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. After an exhilarating day of cross-country skiing, take a tour of one of the town’s fascinating World War II monuments. Museums and other attractions are easy to find as well. Meanwhile, there is no shortage of great hotels in La Gleize.
Ovifat
Ovifat is a picture-perfect village nestled within the striking acres of the Domaine des Hautes Fagnes. The resort comprises 3 slopes with 3 lifts. However, despite its relatively small size, the destination is quite popular with beginners and more experienced skiers. It’s a great choice for those looking to take advantage of Belgium’s beautiful terrain without having to deal with the traffic and crowds within larger resorts. The highest peak reaches 650m, and there are plenty of attractive hotels near Ovifat.
Ovifat in Winter
Malmedy
Cross-country skiing and downhill skiing are both possible on the Ardennes pistes of Malmedy and the nearby town of Robertville. To best explore the scenery, take a guided snow scooter tour; the necessary equipment for hire is readily available. Additionally, Malmedy has a wonderful ice rink that is open from December to until January each year. The rink is one of the region’s premiere tourist attractions during the wintertime. It is within easy walking distance of several great hotels in Malmedy, like l’Esprit Sain and the Auberge de la Fagne. Malmedy also offers a wealth of traditional Belgian bars and cafes that provide welcome respite after a long day spent in the snow.
See more of this beautiful country with our Belgium videos collection.
We were reading the CNN.com travel section today when the word chocolate caught our attention. Of course, when does chocolate not do that, but the story about Koln and its many sites inspired us to collect a list of chocolate-related sites in Europe to visit the next time you’re abroad and jonesing for something sweet. There are specialized tours geared toward chocolate exploration – you can travel from cafe to chocolatier to cafe again, sampling and savoring cacao across the countryside. Or, if you’re itinerary is already set and you’re looking for a diversion until the next stop, there are a few sidetracks you can make.
We must admit, we had a bit of fun researching this article, and now our stomachs are growling, so while we break for the stash of Kit-Kats under the desk we’ll leave you to consider these tours and attractions next time you’re in Europe.
Cadbury World
The name is known the world over for their creamy milk bars and seasonal cream-filled eggs, and when you come to Cadbury World in Birmingham it’s probably the closest you’ll get to spotting an Oompah Loompah or two running the show. This is a whimsical journey through the production, packaging and marketing of Cadbury varieties – full of fascinating history and surprises. How many factories do you know have a simulated jungle to explain where cocoa comes from?
Ritter Sport Factory
You’ve seen Ritter Sport brands, those square, waffle-thick bars filled with whole hazelnuts, marzipan, or dreamy dark mousse. In Waldenbuch near Stuttgart is where you’ll find new bars produced, and at the factory you can watch a demonstration in German and English of how Ritter Sport varieties are made, plus stock up for the ride home! There are nearly 20 different bars available now, so if you find one you can’t normally find in your area, get ‘em while you can!
Planète Chocolat
Of course, if you’re headed to Belgium this year it’s a given you’re going to enjoy some chocolate. You wouldn’t go to Philadelphia without eating a cheesesteak, or Chicago without trying a deep dish pizza, right? In Brussels, there is Planète Chocolat, fine purveyor of chocolates created in the grand Belgian tradition. Guests are welcome to browse their chocolate museum and discover how cacao is pressed into cocoa to become the dessert we all love, and if you have time you can schedule a chocolate history walking tour through the city.
Bovetti Shop and Chocolate Museum
Pop quiz: can you think of 150 different ingredients to infuse in a chocolate bar? Bovetti Artisan Chocolatier bear the Bordeaux region of France has, and when you visit their shop/museum you’ll see for yourself what flavors await you. From rosemary to mango to even flower petals, surely if it’s edible they’ve enrobed it at one time.
Bovetti’s chocolate museum takes visitors through an actual greenhouse of cocoa plants where one can see a demonstration of harvesting, roasting, and production. You’ll learn why single-origin varieties (chocolate produced from cacao from one region) tastes differently from other types, and kids have the opportunity to mold their own tasty treat.
Wherever in Europe you find yourself this year, you’re certain to find a chocolate indigenous to the area that carries the unique flavor of the region. With the money you save on affordable European hotels, you can take plenty home as gifts, assuming you don’t eat everything on the trip back.
Not that we’ve done that before.
“Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands – and then eat just one of the pieces.” – Judith Viorst.
It’s true. Chocolate is one of the most adored foods in the entire world. It comes in many different forms: dark, light, white, milk, bittersweet, baking … and the list goes on. However, one the part of the world that gets the most respect for chocolate production is Belgium. Since the 18th century, this country has perfected the process of making irresistible treats and has gained notoriety for it.
For today’s Food Day Friday, here are some interesting facts about the adored Belgian chocolate:
- Giving chocolates as gifts began in 1912, when Belgian chocolates were hand-wrapped in specialty paper exclusively for Belgian chocolates. This paper is called Ballotin.
- One of the biggest differences between Belgian chocolate and American chocolate is the percentage of cocoa per volume. (It shouldn’t be surprising that Belgian chocolate is much richer!)
- Chocolate contains pheryletylanine, which can counteract nervous depressions in your body, making it an anti-depressant.
- There are more than 2,100 chocolate shops and factories in Belgium, anywhere from small family shops to larger factories.
- In 1990, chocolate exports totaled $604.5 million! More than four-fifths of Belgium’s chocolate are sold within Europe, though. The U.S., Canada and Japan make up 10 percent of Belgian chocolate sales.
- The Belgian community is so proud of their chocolate, they host the Chocolate Passion Festival every year around Valentine’s Day in Brussels.
- Because of it’s attention to detail and authenticity, most Belgian chocolate is still handmade in small shops.
Mouth watering yet? Go ahead and satisfy that sweet tooth. Hopefully, this gives you a little bit of insight on what makes chocolate so good. Next time you’re in Belgium, stop into a local chocolate shop and have a bite of something sweet. You won’t be disappointed!
When most people look back at their time in high school, it’s easy to remember that over-enthusiastic teacher who wanted his or her students to be as passionate about the lesson as they were. Whether it was the English teacher who read Shakespeare aloud in class with a heavy accent, the history teacher who presented organized slideshows of historical landmarks all over the world, or the anatomy teacher who sang songs about the different systems of the human body — we most likely rolled our eyes and entertained them for a moment.
However, there is one place in Brussels, Belgium that might have the ability to turn us all into over-enthusiastic physics or chemistry teachers.
Atomium, an exact replica of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, is sure to “wow” anyone who visits it. Standing 102 meters high, this spectacle was built for the World Fair in Brussels in 1958 (commonly referred to as Expo 58) and symbolizes a future filled with bright ideas and progress for generations to come.
According to its Web site, it wasn’t intended to survive past Expo 58, but has become and international landmark as well as an icon in Brussels. It is definitely deserving of being an addition to your road map and game plan while visiting Belgium. Before planning your trip, be sure to check out affordable hotel rooms while you are in Brussels, too.
Even if you don’t want to channel your inner geek, Atomium is the place to go to get the perfect view of the entire city, grab a bite to eat at the resturant in the top and get inspired to have the next big idea.
