Why Is the Seattle Space Needle Famous?

The Space Needle is one of the most recognized icons of the Northwest. As a distinctive highlight of the Seattle cityscape, this unusual architectural delight is a premier tourist destination.

History

Like all great things in Seattle, the concept of the Space Needle was conceived on a napkin in a coffeehouse. Designed for the "twenty-first century" theme of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, the Needle was designed to bring the future to the present.

Engineering Marvel

The saucer-style top section of the Needle contains five stories, including a rotating restaurant. Because the section is so perfectly balanced, the restaurant requires a single one-horsepower motor to revolve.

Restaurant

SkyCity provides a revolutionary experience in elegant dining. When it was built, it was the second revolving restaurant in existence. The entire restaurant turns to offer diners panoramic views of the Puget Sound, Cascade Mountains and the surrounding areas.

Observation Deck

View Seattle from 540 feet up. For a price, visitors can access the Observation Deck of the Space Needle and enjoy complimentary access to high-powered Swarovski Telescopes.

Elevators

The Space Needle elevators travel at 10 mph, which is about as fast as a raindrop falls to the earth and faster than snowflakes.

Events

The Space Needle hosts an annual New Year's Eve event. The Needle can also be reserved for private events.

References

• Official Space Needle Site
• Space Needle Facts
• Space Needle New Years Eve