Seattle has many iconic structures to enjoy, but, as of this past May, visitors to famous Seattle Space Needle can now soar above the city in a floor-to-ceiling glass, double-decker elevator, completely transforming the trip to the top. The new Skyliner elevator is the first of its kind in North America and a major milestone in its multiyear elevator modernization project.

Another new experience complementing The Space Needle is part of the Needle’s combo experience with Chihuly Garden and Glass, offering IMAX at the Center with film shorts.

© The Space Needle LLC

Our Loupe, the world’s only rotating glass floor, also offers a sunset bar experience this summer for guests to enjoy small bites and a curated cocktail experience.

Inspired by early sketches of the Space Needle, the new double-decker elevator design honors the tradition of innovation and forward-thinking that created the Space Needle back in 1962. Each Skyliner cab features floor-to-ceiling glass, engineered to withstand Seattle’s infamous rain and strong winds off of Puget Sound. The thrilling vertical experience allows visitors to see the mechanics of the elevator, the internal double helix core stairway, and an expanded view of Seattle and beyond.

Thanks to a $100 million private investment, the elevator modernization continues the improvements of the 2018 Century Project, which added 176 tons of glass to the Space Needle. The tower has now unveiled the world’s first and only revolving glass floor and an outdoor deck featuring one-ton tilted glass panels showcasing the view on a whole new level.

© The Space Needle LLC

And, of course, most visitors will want to indulge in sweet and savory hand pies in the shape of the Space Needle. Tip Top pies are made fresh in house and baked to perfection with local ingredients.

“The new elevator is more than a way up, it’s a symbol of where we’re headed,” said Ron Sevart, president and CEO, Space Needle. “This reinvestment reflects our commitment, to our Guests, our Team Members, and our community, to ensure the Space Needle remains a symbol of Seattle’s innovative spirit for generations to come.”

The Space Needle’s other two elevators are scheduled to be modernized and open by 2028.

Most impressive changes are less visible, with new cables, counterweights, steel hoistways and cutting-edge elevator machines, the first of its kind in North America. The iconic look from afar, with its gold capsule enclosure, is about the only thing that hasn’t changed.

© The Space Needle LLC

“Construction like this at the Space Needle is like assembling a rocket in the sky,” said Karen Olson, COO, Space Needle. “We are doing work on the Space Needle that has never been done before, at 500 feet in the air. It takes an incredible amount of hard work and dedication by our construction partners to make this dream a reality. We are so thankful to the generations of tradespeople who have had their hand in making the Space Needle a symbol of Seattle’s innovation, optimism, and forward thinking.”

Otis, the world’s leading manufacturer of vertical transportation systems, is managing the elevator modernization project. Otis built the original Space Needle elevators, as well as those at the Eiffel Tower. Otis also modernized the Space Needle cabs in 1992 and has provided maintenance services since the Space Needle opened. Seattle-based architecture firm Olson Kundig designed the new cabs, LMI Aerospace engineered them and Turner Construction was the general contractor.

Built as the centerpiece and inspiration for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the Space Needle has since become a part of the Seattle experience and a globally recognized icon for the city.