Sunsphere

Knoxville, Tennessee 

Completed in 1981 at a cost of $3.7 million. 

The Sunsphere's reflection in World's Fair Park

October 6, 2017

The name "Sunsphere" for the structure in Knoxville was derived from its design and the theme of the 1982 World's Fair for which it was built.  The golden orb atop the tower was meant to represent the sun and the energy of the sun.  The original base of the structure was blue to blend with the sky, further reinforcing the solar theme. 

The Sunsphere is a 266 foot tall hexagonal steel truss structure located in World's Fair Park in downtown Knoxville.  It is topped with the 75 foot gold-colored glass sphere that served as the symbol of the World's Fair.  Directly across a man-made pond from the Tennessee Amphitheater.  They are the only remaining structures from the fair. 

The Tennessee Amphitheater

The 1,400-seat amphitheater was designed by structural engineer Horst Berger and Geiger Berger, engineers of New York City.  They were known for their work with tensile architecture and the artchitectural design of the amphitheater is notable for the tensile fabric membranes that hover over the theatre.  

The amphitheater was condemmed to demolition in 2002, but was renovated between 2005 and 2007, reopening in 2007.  The amphitheater was voted one of the top 15 architectural works of East Tennessee by the East Tennessee chapter of the American Institute of Architects.  Since its reopening, the amphitheater continues to be used for concerts including the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Opera and the Tennessee Children's Dance Ensemble. 

The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lucas Richman performing at the  annual Independence Day concert on the south lawn of the World's Fair Park for the City of Knoxville's Festival on the Fourth.

July 4, 2011

The Sunsphere under construction

View from the Top

Photo Credit to Ron Plasencia

Photo taken at twilight, merging three separate exposures to create a high dynamic range image.  

"The lighted fountain caught my eye, so I walked around to find the best angle to capture it.  This one has become my favorite image of Knoxville."

Ron Plasencia

Knoxville at Night

Knoxville News-Sentinel

May 1, 1982

Opening Ceremonies at the World's Fair

May 1, 1982

The World's Fair theme was "Energy Turns the World".

Dinah Shore, Governor Lamar Alexander, President Ronald Reagan and Jake Butcher

May 1, 1982

The Rule High School Marching Band marches in Knoxville one year to the date of the opening of the World's Fair.

May 1, 1981

The World's Fair Construction Site 

December 13, 1981

Postcards from the World's Fair

Charles and Helen Hutchinson of Cincinnati, Ohio were the 11th millionth visitors to the World's Fair.  Helping celebrate the occasion are World's Fair Commissioner General Dortch Oldham, Knoxville International Energy Exposition President "Bo" Roberts, Jr. and World's Fair Board of Directors Chairman Jake Butcher.  

October 30, 1982

Singer-actor, the late Kenny Rogers in town to promote the opening of his new movie "Six Pack" took time out on July 6, 1982 to survey the World's Fair from the top of the United States Pavilion in Knoxville.  With him was his wife Marianne Gordon, a regular, at the time, on the popular television series, "Hee Haw".  

The United States Pavilion pictured at the World's Fair near the Amphitheater.

May 2, 1982

An aerial view of the World's Fair Site

The Strohaus (formerly The Foundry)

October 2, 1982

Musician and singer, Glen Campbell taped a television show during the World's Fair at the Strohaus.

May 3, 1982

Knoxville's Rick Kuhlman and a handful of partners resurrected World's Fair Beer for the 35th anniversary of the 1982 World's Fair.  

An aerial view of the Sunsphere and World's Fair

May 2, 2019

Allie Clouse jumps in front of the Sunsphere at the World's Fair

May 21, 2019