Sunsphere

Gold-glass sphere tower in World's Fair Park, built for the 1982 World's Fair, with an observation deck on its fourth level.

963 World's Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916 · Knoxville, TN

About Sunsphere

The Sunsphere is a steel truss tower in World's Fair Park in downtown Knoxville, topped by a large gold-colored glass sphere that was the symbol of the 1982 World's Fair. It is one of only two structures from that fair still standing, alongside the Tennessee Amphitheater. The fourth level holds an observation deck with views over the former fair site, downtown, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains. After years of limited use, the deck reopened in February 2022, and a Welcome Center on level three opened in November 2024 as the official entrance. The sixth and eighth levels host event floors, and some upper levels are occupied by private businesses.

#observation deck
#1982 World's Fair
#Knoxville
#historic landmark
#viewpoint

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What's around here?

The closest stops to Sunsphere, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sports & Outdoors
World's Fair Park
No admission fee
A downtown Knoxville park on the former 1982 World's Fair grounds, home to the Sunsphere and riverfront paths.
Right next doorSwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors
Museums
Knoxville Museum of Art
No admission fee
An art museum in Knoxville focused on the visual arts of East Tennessee and their links to art from around the world.
Transit: reachable by public transit
Steps awaySwitch it up: Museums
Museums
Mabry-Hazen House
Under $25
Historic 1858 hilltop house museum in Knoxville preserving three generations of one family's belongings and local history.
1.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
Sightseeing
Family Favorite
The Parkway
No admission fee
Walk the Parkway, Gatlinburg's main street of candy shops, restaurants and attractions at the edge of the Smoky Mountains.
Transit: reachable by public transit
29 mi awayMore like this
Sightseeing
Iconic
Gatlinburg SkyBridge & SkyLift Park
$25–$50
A 680-foot pedestrian suspension bridge with a glass floor section above the treetops.
Transit: reachable by public transit
29 mi awayMore like this
Sightseeing
Iconic
Gatlinburg Space Needle
Under $25
A 407-foot observation tower with a glass elevator ride to a 360-degree viewing deck.
Transit: reachable by public transit
29 mi awayMore like this