The Sunsphere
- Admission
- $5 for adults, free for children 12 and under
- Hours
- Tuesday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Closed Mondays
- Duration
- 30-45 minutes
- Parking
- Paid parking is available at nearby city garages, such as the Locust Street Garage, or metered street parking.
- Access
- Fully wheelchair accessible via elevator to the observation deck.
This iconic 266-foot tower features a massive gold-infused glass sphere, built for the 1982 World's Fair. Visitors can ride to the observation deck for stunning 360-degree views of downtown Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains. Fun fact: it famously co-starred in an episode of The Simpsons.
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Rising 266 feet above World's Fair Park, the Sunsphere is the defining icon of Knoxville's skyline. Built for the 1982 World's Fair, this striking structure features a 75-foot gold-dust-infused glass sphere that glints brilliantly in the Tennessee sun.
Visitors can ride the elevator up to the 4th-floor Observation Deck, which offers 360-degree views of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, and the distant Great Smoky Mountains. The deck also features an exhibition detailing the history of the 1982 World's Fair and the tower's unique construction.
While it briefly fell into disuse after the fair, the Sunsphere has been lovingly restored as a symbol of civic pride. It remains a rare, surviving example of late-20th-century monumental architecture dedicated to global progress.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Purchase tickets online in advance, as capacity on the observation deck is limited and time slots can fill up quickly.
- ◆ Combine your visit with a stroll through World's Fair Park, which features lovely lawns, fountains, and walking paths.
- ◆ Visit during the late afternoon to capture the best photographs of the golden glass reflecting the changing colors of the sky.
Heads Up
- ◆ The observation deck may close temporarily during severe weather, particularly during high winds or lightning.
- ◆ Parking directly at World's Fair Park can be limited, so look for nearby public parking garages in downtown Knoxville.
Common questions
Can you go inside the gold ball of the Sunsphere?
Yes, visitors can take an elevator up to the observation deck located on the 4th floor of the gold globe. The other floors contain private offices and structural equipment and are closed to the public.
Is it free to go up the Sunsphere?
No, there is an admission fee of $5 for adults and $1 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets are available online in advance or via a QR code at the site.
Where is the best place to park to visit the Sunsphere?
The most convenient parking is at the Locust Street Garage or the Fort Kid parking lot on World's Fair Park Drive. City-owned garages are free to use on weekends and after 6:00 PM on weekdays.