Centrale
Atomium
Laeken
Exhibitions
Centrale
belgisch design belge
A pop-up laboratory where the successive presentations that are sometimes subjective and never exhaustive will be representative of Belgian design. Pieces from different eras, materials, statuses and natures build side by side a history of design in Belgium. For this first selection, objects from the plastic design collection – the particularity of our institution – interact with pieces of modern and contemporary design from the King Baudouin Foundation.
Design Museum Brussels
Laeken
Exhibitions
belgisch design belge
the Plastic Design Collection
the Plastic Design Collection pays tribute to the diverse and heterogeneous plastic design that has transformed our domectic environment since the 1950s. From material to object and from object to society, the permanent exhibition from this collection develops a cultural history of design.
Design Museum Brussels
Laeken
Exhibitions
the Plastic Design Collection
The Atomium. From Symbol to Icon
The exhibition 'The Atomium: from symbol to icon' is spread over 2 floors and the panorama. It tells the history of this pavillion of more than 50 years old. It has become the symbol of the city of Brussels and of Belgium.
The exhibition not only tells the story of the construction of the building and of Expo 58 but also of its decline at the end of the '90's before its renovation. And of its 'second ' life since 2006.
On 17th April 1958, the last universal world fair organised by Belgium was inaugurated on the Heysel site in Brussels.
A hugely colourful event, spreading a message full of boundless optimism, reflecting a society characterised by confidence in its future, Expo 58 inspires fond memories in our collective consciousness.
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.
In the panorama 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 energy.
Symbol and « brand » of Expo 58, the star of Lucien De Rouck is unavoidable.
Lucien De Roeck (Belgium 1915-2002) dedicated his life to design,typographie and teaching. In 1954 he won the design competition designing the logo and poster for the Worldfair in Brussels that would take place in 1958.
The Expo-star, an elegant, asymmetric star, still is a recognizable symbol. The five rays represent the five continents, carrying out the humanistic message to the entire world. On the right side you can see a globe and the date. In the center of the star one can recognize an image of the Brussels city hall.
In 1958 this star was everywhere, on posters, streetcars, outfits of the hostesses, souvenirs...
Atomium
Laeken
Exhibitions
The Atomium. From Symbol to Icon
