Sunsphere
Sunsphere Knoxville
An iconic piece of Knoxville's skyline and integral part of the community, the Sunsphere is an absolute must-visit during your group's travels. This 266 foot high, hexagonal steel truss represents Knoxville's innovation, engineering feats, and cultural background all at once, with an impressive architectural history tracing back to the 1982 World Fair.
The Sunsphere holds one main unmissable feature; the 75-foot gold dusted glass sphere. This is the 'iconic representation and symbol of Knoxville', the golden hue made up of 24 karat gold flecks. The sphere is glass paneled, providing the absolute best views of the city surrounding the sphere. There are a total of 360 panels around the globe, the panels sitting 26 stories high in the center of Knoxville's vital downtown area.
Historically speaking, this structure is 1 of only 2 remaining from the 1982 World Fair, the other being the Tennesse Amphitheater, which you will hopefully be visiting during your trip as well. The theme of the fair that year was 'sun and source of energy', the theme obviously upheld well with the Sunsphere.
During your visit, you will head up to the 4th-floor observation deck, the spot where you will be able to take in more detailed information about the architecture and history of the sphere within the onsite gallery, as well as take in the amazing 360-degree views. See downtown, the original fair site, and bits and pieces of the Smokie Mountains.
