However, looking at photos from its completion in 1962, it was not the calm gray of today but a striking orange.

This choice was made to ensure it could be seen well from afar in the middle of the fairgrounds, but over time it was deemed increasingly tacky.

Because the Seattle symbol was so eye-catching, public opinion was gathered, and it was changed to the current white and gray tones.

The Space Needle stands about 180 meters tall, making it the most prominent structure in the heart of Seattle Center. Even first-time visitors to Seattle can recognize the city by seeing this tower and think, "Ah, this is Seattle."

At the time of its completion, it was the tallest structure in the western United States, but much taller towers like the CN Tower in Canada emerged, and by 1985, the Columbia Center became a taller building within Seattle.

Now it no longer holds the title of 'tallest,' but it still firmly holds the position of 'most iconic building.'

True to its name, the top is pointed like a needle, and this tip is made up of 25 lightning rods designed to safely channel electricity in case of a lightning strike. Due to its unusual shape, there were even bizarre rumors during its construction, including stories of hidden facilities for communicating with aliens or secret military devices.

At about 160 meters up, there is a disc-shaped observation deck. This design is said to be inspired by flying saucers, and in fact, the observation deck rotates slowly. So even if you stand or sit still, you can see the Seattle skyline rotate around you. There is also a revolving restaurant nearby, where you can enjoy a meal while watching the night view if you go in the evening.

The admission fee for the observation deck is about $30 during the day and $40 at night. It's also good to know the location; the Space Needle is not in the middle of the downtown area filled with skyscrapers but is located towards Seattle Center.

So it takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk there. However, there is a monorail that departs directly from downtown, making it much more convenient, and it's not difficult to access by regular bus either.

The reason the Space Needle is a must-see in tourism is not simply because it is tall. This tower serves as the face of Seattle. When movies, dramas, or advertisements show Seattle, a single shot of the Space Needle is often enough without lengthy explanations. Thanks to this, over a million tourists visit each year, and large events like New Year's fireworks are held at the end of the year.

The reason this symbol has been well-maintained to this day is also due to its management. The Space Needle is not owned by the city but by the Wright family, and it is operated by a professional company. Therefore, it is not just casually maintained when there is leftover budget. Even during renovations, it is not just a matter of repainting. Safety, accessibility, and the environment are carefully considered, including the elevators, observation deck floor, and movement paths.

However, if the original appearance were to be completely changed, its meaning would be lost. Therefore, they choose to maintain the historical exterior as much as possible while keeping it up to date for public use. This is likely why it remains a representative landmark of Seattle today.