Space Needle

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The Needle's unique shape was inspired by a doodle on a napkin by architect Edward E. Carlson.

2. 2

   The tower is painted in specific shades of colors named 'Astronaut White,' 'Orbital Olive,' 'Re-entry Red,' and 'Galaxy Gold.'

3. 3

   It is built to withstand earthquakes up to a 9.0 magnitude.

4. 4

   The structure sways approximately one inch for every 10 mph of wind.

5. 5

   A time capsule was buried at the base during the 1962 World's Fair and is scheduled to be opened in 2062.

6. 6

   The legs of the tower house 25 lightning rods to protect the structure during electrical storms.

Overview

The Space Needle is a 605-foot-tall observation tower originally built for the 1962 World's Fair. It features 'The Loupe,' the world's first and only revolving glass floor located 500 feet above the ground. The structure is anchored by a 30-foot-deep foundation containing 467 tons of concrete, designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 200 mph and significant seismic activity. Visitors access the observation deck via high-speed elevators that travel at 10 miles per hour. The tower's top level, the 'TopHouse,' features floor-to-ceiling glass walls providing 360-degree views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the Seattle skyline. It underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2018 to install the glass flooring and replace original barriers with glass benches. The structure is situated within the Seattle Center campus.

Insider tips

• Book tickets online in advance to skip box office lines.

• Visit on a clear day to ensure visibility of the distant mountain ranges.

• Check the weather app specifically for 'cloud ceiling' heights, as low clouds can obscure views from the top.