Little History Lesson: Sunsphere
Sunsphere Welcome Center (3rd Floor)About this experience
Come learn about the 1982 World’s Fair at the Sunsphere!
Visit Knoxville is partnering with the East Tennessee Historical Society to offer a Little History Lesson all about the World’s Fair. During this session, caregivers and kids will explore history through stories, games, crafts, and examining artifacts.
Details:
Date: September 13, 2025
Time: 9:00–10:00 AM
Location: Sunsphere Welcome Center (3rd Floor)
Phone: 865-314-0660
Admission includes free access to the Sunsphere Observation Deck for self-exploration during and after the event, a children's craft, history lesson about the 1982 World's Fair, book reading by local Author Danielle Asher, and a Sunsphere goodie bag.
Parking:
Vehicles: We recommend parking at Locust Street Garage, Fort Kid, or the 4-hour public parking lot at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Please visit our parking guide for more information.
Strollers: Please note that the Welcome Center has limited space and very little room for stroller parking. Staff will give ticketholders the option to park strollers on the 2nd floor of the Sunsphere. Note: This floor is secured and covered, but is outside and exposed to the elements.
Sunsphere:
Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, the Sunsphere is a one-of-a-kind structure. The 4th Floor Observation Deck offers a breathtaking 360-degree view stretching from downtown to the Great Smoky Mountains, including World’s Fair Park, the Tennessee River, and the University of Tennessee campus. A 1982 World’s Fair timeline, gallery, memorabilia, and gift shop await you!
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
• Meet at the Sunsphere Welcome Center (Level 3) at the start of the event.
• The 5th and 7th floors of the Sunsphere are occupied by private businesses.
• The 6th and 8th floors offer private event space. For rental information, visit sunsphereevents.com
• Please enjoy the splash pads and fountains, but do not enter the elevators while wet or with towels.
• World’s Fair Park is pet-friendly, but only service animals are allowed inside the Sunsphere.
• Jumping in the elevator is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Fines of $1,500+ are enforced.
VALID FOR DATE AND TIME ON TICKET ONLY. NON-TRANSFERABLE. NON-REFUNDABLE.
One ticket per person. No cancellations, refunds, rain checks, or exchanges. Tickets will not be replaced if lost, stolen, or unused. May not be copied or resold. Duplication will result in revocation without refund and ejection.
Your Host
Visit Knoxville is the official Convention and Visitors Bureau for the City of Knoxville and Knox County. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, private company, our mission is to accelerate sustainable economic growth and development by increasing visitor and convention business to our community. Visit Knoxville is home to the VK Sports Commission, the VK Film Office and the downtown Visitors Center at 301 S. Gay Street. Visit Knoxville is proud to support community initiatives encompassing art and culture, history, entertainment and outdoor adventure to promote Knoxville regionally, nationally and internationally. As a nature-loving-adventure-seeking-artsy-kinda-town, Knoxville will surprise you.