Seattle’s Space Needle Debuts World’s First Revolving Glass Floor

With glass walls, glass barriers, glass benches, and even glass floors, Seattle’s 56-year-old Space Needle has been given a modern and thrilling upgrade.

The new, multi-level tower features the world’s first revolving glass floor, delivering wide-open views as guests float above Seattle. Dubbed “The Loupe,” visitors can walk, stand, or sit on the glass floor suspended 500 feet above the city. Weighing 37 tons, the floor has a total of 10 layers of glass and slowly rotates once every 45 minutes. Guests can peer down at the Space Needle’s unique architecture and elevators or take in a 360-degree view of the surrounding cityscape.

Renovation of the 605-foot-tall landmark – thanks to a $100 million private investment – was led by Seattle-based architectural firm, Olson Kundig, along with 50 companies and experts with specialties in areas like wind, seismic, acoustics, steel, and glass.

The upper and lower levels are now unified by two half-moon staircases, the Oculus Stairs. Located on the 500-foot level, the Atmos Wine Bar serves small bites along with wine and beer. The upper level’s Atmos Café serves up light fare that can be taken outside on the tower’s open-air observation deck.

Once you enter the 520-foot level, the indoor observation now offers glass doors and floor-to-ceiling, seamless glass panels delivering unobstructed views of the Pacific Northwest.

The outer observation deck was outfitted with open-air glass panels that dip out at a slight 14-degree angle and replace previous wire caging and partial walls, for uninhibited 360-degree views of the Puget Sound.

Positioned along alternating glass panels along the outer observation deck, the addition of 24 Skyrisers – innovative, inclined glass benches – makes it feel as if you’re floating above the city.