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    Sunsphere

    4.1 (76 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 12:30 pm, 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM

    Sunsphere Photos

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    sunsphere
    Jessica M.

    Very friendly and helpful people working at the sunsphere. They recommended that we also go check out the Art Museum which was a quick walk and totally worth it! The views of Knoxville were fantastic. The only bummer was that I read somewhere online that kids were free but they actually do charge $5 for kids admission.

    Sunsphere inside
    Sasha P.

    Sunsphere is a must if you are visiting Knoxville! I'm going with 4 stars only because it was such a quick walkthrough for us, but I would definitely recommend checking it out. Very cool to learn about the history of the Sunsphere and to enjoy the views from up high! Tickets are cheap and it killed a little time in town to do something different so we had no issues. It may be a little hard to get to for some if you aren't mobile, but we didn't mind doing the walk from our airbnb into town and to get to the spot. We got our tickets online and it was all easy overall!

    The top of the Sunsphere gives insight into the 1982 World's Fair.
    Seth A.

    The Sunsphere is one of the primary highlights in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. It has a golden shaped dome to it and stands out as a city focal point. It's $5 entrance fee to take an elevator trip to the top for 360 panoramic views overlooking Knoxville. The scenery from high above is nice, but nothing dramatic. There's an attendant escorting visitors up and down the elevator. They actually sell a few souvenirs at the top. I bought a keychain and postcard (from the limited offerings), but it was good enough as I couldn't find small keepsakes anywhere around Knoxville. There's a description about the history from the 1982 World's Fair, which the city hosted. Knoxville is also home to the University of Tennessee which the Sunsphere provides some detail into one of the most recognizable colleges in the country. Next to the Sunsphere is the World's Fair Park, a pleasant walking area to be outdoors. There's the Knoxville Convention Center located here, as well as an amphitheater. This entire section of Knoxville gives the city its vibrancy, from my pov. It doesn't take long to check out the Sunsphere, maybe 30 minutes at the most, but when you include it with exploring the other landmarks around downtown, you get to spend a portion of the day enjoying Knoxville, TN.

    V W.

    Visit: October 2024 AN ICONIC KNOXVILL SITE We were spending an unexpected day in Knoxville and it seemed like there wasn't much else to do, so we decided to go up the 'Sunsphere', which was erected for the 1982 World's Fair. AVERAGE EXPERIENCE AND VIEWS We have been up several towers around the world and by comparison, the Sunshpere was very average. To be fair, it was under construction, so perhaps in the future it will improve. (Although, the views will remain the same!) CHECK THEIR HOURS First of all, we discovered the sphere was not open between 1:30pm and 2:30pm, (except Sundays when it is open noon-4pm) so make sure to plan around that. Check their web site for hours/holidays. PAY ON-LINE There was a sign outside the elevator that offered a QR code in order to buy tickets on your phone. This was the only way to purchase tickets -- no wasting funds on a manned booth! OBSERVATION DECK At your assigned time, a staff member appears and takes you up in the elevator to the observation deck on the fourth floor. (The elevator ride isn't very long!) You are told the observation deck is self-guided and that you have 30 minutes. There are a few info boards, a gift shop area, wall art and some fairly uninteresting views through hazy glass. (It has a gold hue/tint that gives it a strange effect). You can also take a 'postcard' photo and e-mail it to yourself, which is kind of fun. PARKING & MORE Immediately around the Sunsphere is the Knoxville convention center, an outdoor amphitheater, Knoxville Art Museum, hotels, and free parking on Worlds Fair Park Dr. Helpful?

    Cole D.

    A must if you're in Knoxville. Fun to learn about the world fair. Lots of facts. Great views to base myself in the city day 1. Friendly staff.

    Barrie P.

    His was a fun introduction to Knoxville. You order tickets online. Kids are free and adults are 5 dollars. The views are beautiful. There is also a lot more f info about the city.

    Lindsay H.

    A cool landmark that was built for the 1982 World's Fair here in Knox. The Sunsphere never fails to get my kids hyped every time they see it. "Golf ball," "Golden disco ball," "Shiny tall ball..." whatever name they come up with for the day, it is adored from near and far. Speaking of near, we went to an event the other day at the Knoxville Convention Center and World's Fair Park/Sunsphere are directly outside, allowing for photo ops galore. Due to COVID, they currently aren't allowing people to go up to the viewing deck, but once they do, we are hopping on an elevator STAT. Can't believe it is a free viewing experience. And did you know they rent office space up in the domed area? So cool.

    Vivian W.

    Sunsphere Tower is a beautiful place to visit, whether you're a newcomer to Knoxville or a 20 year veteran.   Tip: The Tower was built for the 1982 World's Fair.  I'm told that at one time going up to the top of Sunsphere was free, but today it costs $5 for people 13 and older. Sunsphere is downtown, and offers a 360-degree view of the original 1982 World's Fair site (now World's Fair Park).    The tower is surrounded by lovely parks, and there's lots of parking close at hand.  It's also relatively close to downtown shopping, and easy to get to from the highway. While coming here won't Rock your World, it's totally worth a visit if you're in the area.

    Knoxville's Sunsphere
    Bruce K.

    Built for the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, this was the centerpiece of the city. Noted for its unique design at the time, it is now a public park next to the city's convention center and the University of Tennessee campus. Two elevators run from street level to the observation deck (one was out of order today). 81 meters tall (266 feet or seven stories), there is also a restaurant at the top but I couldn't tell you the hours or services. It is completely FREE to visit and the view from the observation deck is pretty good. We were there on a clear day, so that was really nice. [Round number review 12900 overall, 216 of 2020.]

    Jeremy J.

    This was a neat thing to see that I'm sure I would've given five stars if we were allowed to go up to the top however with Covid it has shut it now and they wouldn't let us go up top it was still a cool thing to see and has a lot of history that I've read up on so it's a good photo up in visual when you're in Knoxville

    Sharon S.

    Really neat piece of history! It's only a few dollars to see some really cool views. We enjoyed our visit and would go back.

    Rebecca M.

    This neat tower is located at worlds fair park. It seemed taller the closer I walked to it. At the base is a elevator you can take to the top, or you can take the stairs if you are feeling really ambitious. The observation deck is enclosed and offers a spectacular view of downtown Knoxville! Although the lighting makes taking pictures a challenge, as does the glass. As you walk around there are round plaques that yield information so you can get to know the area better. It's free to enter. There are restrooms in the park area as well.

    Bo W.

    Free! What more needs to be said? Good views of Knoxville's four corners, and absolutely free. Free parking, and a free stroll through the beautiful, world famous World's Fair Park. This is an iconic structure of Knoxville, and there's nothing like it in the world. This one of a kind structure is a must see. For the price, it can't be beat! FREE!

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    Ask the Community - Sunsphere

    Review Highlights - Sunsphere

    It sits perched tall and strong amid World's Fair Park and is one of the easiest Knox photo ops, in my opinion.

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    Fort Sanders Historical Marker - The. Historical marker.

    Fort Sanders Historical Marker

    4.0(1 review)
    0.6 mi

    FORT SANDERS HISTORICAL MARKER…read more Nothing remains of the site known as Fort Sanders. Just a few years following the war, homes were being built on this historical site. However, I was determined to locate the historical marker and stand on the site that serves as a reminder of this famous . So as we are following the address in the GPS, we see nothing. We are clearly in a residential area and I know that I am looking for a marker. As traffic starts to back up, I decide to just get out and walk. I'm looking all over and eventually catch up to the car because there was nothing at the indicated address As we turn the corner, I see a sign. OMG, I tell my husband to pull over quickly and I literally jump out of the car. SCORRRRRRRRRRRRRRE!! I was so excited and a bit shocked to realize that the markers and monument are located in the most random spot you could ever imagine. It is literally in a mixed use area next to a side walk. If you didn't see the specific signs that actually border this landmark, you might assume that this is just a large misplaced rock. Fort Sanders has an important place in history because it represents a significant battle in Civil War history, and especially the city of Knoxville. On November 29, 1863, approximately 180 men were killed while hundreds more were injured during a battle that only lasted for 20 minutes. Next time you drive or walk by that big rock, THINK about that. ***The stone marker was erected by the Knoxville Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy on November 29, 1914. It is inscribed with the following words: Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight, Nor Time's remorseless doom, Shall dim one ray of glory's light That gilds your glorious tomb.

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    Fort Sanders Historical Marker - Random surroundings.

    Random surroundings.

    Fort Sanders Historical Marker - The landmark.

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    The landmark.

    Sunsphere - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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