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Knoxville, Tennessee: The Sunsphere

Opened May 1, 1982, as part of the Knoxville World's Fair. Restored and reopened in 2022. It has never been a warehouse for wigs.

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Sunsphere

The Sunsphere was constructed for the 1982 World's Fair. Fans of "The Simpsons" will probably recall an episode where Bart and his friends go to Knoxville, and the Sunsphere falls over onto their car. Some Knoxvillians wish that had really happened, but I love the Sunsphere. It's a continually changing work of art because of the way it catches light.

Access to the top of the Sunsphere is prohibited. There is no climate control system up there (yet another '82 World's Fair disaster!). However, it's worth a turn off the interstate, because our brand-new convention center is right next door. Waterfalls, comfy chairs, and contemporary art, all in the shadow of the sphere!

[Joyce Harrison, 01/21/2003]

The Sunsphere

Address:
810 Clinch Ave., Knoxville, TN
Directions:
Downtown. Park in the 4-hour lot just north of the Knoxville Museum of Art on World's Fair Park Drive, then walk to the Sunsphere. Elevator to the observation level faces the lake.
Hours:
Tu-F 10-5, Sa 9-5, Su 12-4 (Call to verify)
Phone:
865-314-0660
Admission:
Adults $5.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

World's Largest Rubik's CubeWorld's Largest Rubik's Cube, Knoxville, TN - < 1 mi.
Doomed Rachmaninoff's Final ConcertDoomed Rachmaninoff's Final Concert, Knoxville, TN - < 1 mi.
Hypnotic StairsHypnotic Stairs, Knoxville, TN - < 1 mi.
In the region:
X-10 Nuclear Reactor, Oak Ridge, TN - 19 mi.

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