Space Needle Unveils World's First Revolving Glass Floor

Image: The Space Needle, Seattle, Washington. (photo via Ram Catapang/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: The Space Needle, Seattle, Washington. (photo via Ram Catapang/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 11:11 AM ET, Fri August 3, 2018

Seattle's iconic Space Needle will open the world's first and only revolving glass floor to the public Friday.

The Loupe, which visitors can walk, stand or sit on and be suspended 500 feet above the ground, is one of several upgrades and firsts as part of a $100 million multi-year preservation project.

Visitors will now have an enhanced 360-degree view of the Emerald City as the see-through floor rotates slowly once every 45 minutes.

What's more, the upper and lower levels are now connected by a cantilever grand staircase known as the Oculus Stairs. The indoor observation deck now features expanded views thanks to floor-to-ceiling seamless glass panels and the outer observation deck has been upgraded as well with open-air glass panels replacing wire caging and partial walls.

Visitors can also look forward to a new Atmos Wine Bar and Atmos Cafe. The former will serve regional wines with one-of-a-kind views while the latter will provide light bites and refreshment.

"This reinvestment ensures the long-term viability of the Space Needle," said the landmark's CEO, Ron Sevart, in a statement. "We have a commitment to our team members, our guests, and to the community to preserve the Space Needle as a civic and cultural icon for future generations."

"With glass walls, glass barriers, glass benches, and even glass floors, visitors can feel like they're floating over the city," added Karen Olson, CMO, Space Needle. "The Space Needle has always featured some of the best views of the Pacific Northwest. Now it offers some of the most thrilling."


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...
Upcoming Webinar
July Classic Vacations WebinarThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Upcoming Webinar
Close to Home, Big Opportunity: Selling Today's Domestic Travel TrendsThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for a webinar exploring the growing demand for...
Upcoming Webinar
July Classic Vacations WebinarThursday, July 30, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!