BRUSSELS.- Inaugurated in 1958, the Atomium was given a completely new layout in 2006, creating today's highly convivial public area for tourists and visitors. December 2015 will mark a new stage in its history and in its development as an artistic and tourist attraction. The forthcoming opening of the Plasticarium-Art & Design Atomium Museum is a key event in the Atomium's history. With this project, we are shaping the future of the building, expanding it and consolidating its status as a centre for cultural tourism by creating a new museum in Brussels.

The Atomium is the most popular tourist attraction in Brussels; this has constantly been borne out by visitor statistics ever since its renovation. It is only natural, therefore, that the building's Board of Directors and management team should capitalize on this success with a new project to develop the Atomium itself. The Plasticarium-Art & Design Atomium Museum is a new museum for Brussels; whilst ensuring that this collection is preserved, it also addresses three different challenges. Firstly, it has established and developed a cultural attraction to appeal to the tastes and interests of "city-trip" tourists, who represent one of the major areas of growth in the tourist industry in Brussels. This is reflected in the statistics: a few years ago, economic sector tourism (MICE) was far ahead of leisure tourism. This gap has been almost completely closed thanks to Brussels' enthusiastic cultural efforts.

Secondly, this project forms part of the programme to enhance the Heysel Plateau; the aim is to carry out a major transformation of the area, thanks to the NEO project, which will mean that the Atomium becomes integrated within the City.

And finally, it is important for the Atomium to establish and maintain its popularity as a venue for visitors at both local and national level, by diversifying and developing its cultural and tourist attractions.

We are most grateful to the King Baudouin Foundation, whose support has been invaluable to us during the process of acquiring the collection. We also, of course, wish to thank the City of Brussels for its moral and financial support, which has enabled this project to come to fruition. We are equally grateful to the BITM, thanks to whose financial efforts the Plasticarium-Art & Design Atomium has a home equal to its aspirations.

The Atomium will enjoy another renaissance, together with the north of the City and the Region; and the continued preservation of a unique, exemplary collection in Belgium, and more particularly in Brussels, is a boon for art and culture.