The Sunsphere
Your next stop is the last one within World’s Fair Park, the grandiosely stunning Sunsphere! The Sunsphere is an 81 meter high, or 266 foot, hexagonal steel truss structure that stands today as a glimmering culture icon and symbol of the 1982 World’s Fair. This amazing structure is topped with a 23 m gold-colored glass sphere as well as 360 panes of exterior glass windows caked in 24 karat gold dust. That’s right, this building is gold! From the outside, you will admire the forest green paint against the golden gleam of the windows, a 14,000-square-foot full-service restaurant, observation deck, and visitor/convention center for the town of Knoxville. This structure along with the Tennessee Amphitheater is actually the only remaining World's Fair structures left in the city!
The current Convention Center was created in 2001, though renovations to the levels you will see took place in 2007-2008. Head up to the observation deck on the fourth level to see a spectacular 360-degree view of the city, the original fair site, downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, and the Smoky Mountains strewn across Tennessee. Next head up to the Icon Ultra Lounge on the fifth floor and indulge in sultry southern inspired culinary creations matched well with the eclectic metro decor and some of the most breathtaking city views. The Sunsphere is the absolute perfect place to take in Knoxville culture, Knoxville views, and unbeatable Knoxville seasonal cuisine and cocktails!