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.
Results 11 to 11 of 11...[Previous 5 items] Page of 3
Visitor Tips and News About The Sunsphere
Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.
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][Previous 5 items] Page of 3
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
Nearby Offbeat Places
Latest Tips Across Roadside America
Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.
Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!
Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.




