Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest building since 2009, representing the pinnacle of modern skyscraper construction
List of tallest buildings
A comprehensive timeline of the world's tallest buildings throughout history, from ancient pyramids to modern skyscrapers, documenting the evolution of architectural achievements and construction milestones.
Source: Wikipedia2580 BCE - 2350 BCE
Great Pyramid of Giza Completed
The Great Pyramid of Giza was completed in Egypt, becoming the world's tallest man-made structure. This ancient wonder held the record for over 3,800 years, demonstrating the remarkable engineering capabilities of ancient civilizations. The pyramid's construction marked a pinnacle of ancient architectural achievement that would not be surpassed until medieval times.
1116 CE - 1346 CE
Lincoln Cathedral Becomes World's Tallest Structure
Lincoln Cathedral in England was completed, surpassing the Great Pyramid of Giza to become the world's tallest man-made structure. This marked the end of the pyramid's 3,800-year reign as the tallest structure. The cathedral represented the height of medieval Gothic architecture and engineering prowess.
1347 CE - 1577 CE
Strasbourg Cathedral Completed
The Strasbourg Cathedral in France was completed, becoming the world's tallest building. This Gothic masterpiece held the title of world's tallest structure until 1874, representing the pinnacle of medieval cathedral construction. The cathedral's spire demonstrated advanced engineering techniques of the medieval period.
1809 CE - 2024 CE
Strasbourg Cathedral's Height Record Ends
The Strasbourg Cathedral's reign as the world's tallest building came to an end after 435 years. This marked the transition from medieval cathedral architecture to the modern era of tall building construction, paving the way for the development of skyscrapers in the following decades.
Home Insurance Building - First Skyscraper
The Home Insurance Building was constructed in Chicago, widely considered to be the first true skyscraper. This 10-story building introduced steel-frame construction techniques that would revolutionize tall building design. The building marked the beginning of the skyscraper era and established Chicago as a center of architectural innovation.
Empire State Building Completed
The Empire State Building was completed in New York City, becoming the world's tallest building at 381 meters. This Art Deco masterpiece became an iconic symbol of American achievement and held the world height record for 41 years. The building's rapid construction during the Great Depression demonstrated American engineering prowess and determination.
Empire State Building
The iconic Empire State Building in New York City
Willis Tower (Sears Tower) Completed
The Willis Tower (originally Sears Tower) was completed in Chicago, becoming the world's tallest building at 442 meters. This modernist skyscraper held the world height record for 24 years and established new standards for office building design. The tower's bundled tube structural system was an innovative engineering solution that influenced future skyscraper design.
Willis Tower
The Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) in Chicago
Council on Vertical Urbanism Establishes Building Categories
The Council on Vertical Urbanism established four categories for measuring building height in response to disputes over whether the Petronas Towers or Sears Tower was taller. These categories included height to structural top, highest occupied floor, roof, and any part of the building. This standardization helped resolve architectural height disputes and established clear criteria for determining the world's tallest buildings.
Petronas Towers Completed
The Petronas Towers were completed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, becoming the world's tallest buildings at 452 meters. These twin towers marked the first time since 1931 that the world's tallest building was located outside the United States. The towers' Islamic-inspired design and innovative structural system represented a new era of international skyscraper construction.
Petronas Towers
The iconic twin Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur
TAIPEI 101 Completed
TAIPEI 101 was completed in Taipei, Taiwan, becoming the world's tallest building at 508 meters. This postmodern skyscraper incorporated traditional Chinese architectural elements and advanced engineering to withstand earthquakes and typhoons. The building held the world height record for five years and demonstrated Taiwan's emergence as a major economic power.
TAIPEI 101
TAIPEI 101 tower in Taipei, Taiwan
Burj Khalifa Completed
The Burj Khalifa was completed in Dubai, UAE, becoming the world's tallest building at 828 meters. This neo-futuristic skyscraper shattered all previous height records and established Dubai as a global architectural destination. The building's innovative design and construction techniques set new standards for supertall skyscrapers and marked the beginning of the Middle East's skyscraper boom.
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest building since 2009
One World Trade Center Completed
One World Trade Center was completed in New York City, becoming the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at 541 meters. Built on the site of the original World Trade Center, this building served as both a memorial and symbol of resilience following the September 11 attacks. The tower's completion marked a significant moment in New York's recovery and rebuilding efforts.
One World Trade Center
One World Trade Center in New York City
Shanghai Tower Completed
Shanghai Tower was completed in Shanghai, China, becoming the world's second-tallest building at 632 meters. This twisted supertall skyscraper incorporated advanced sustainable design features and became the tallest building in East Asia. The tower's innovative spiral design and mixed-use programming established new standards for sustainable skyscraper construction.
Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower in Shanghai, China
Merdeka 118 Completed
Merdeka 118 was completed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, becoming the world's second-tallest building at 679 meters. This mixed-use supertall skyscraper features a distinctive crystalline crown and represents Malaysia's continued investment in iconic architecture. The tower's completion reinforced Southeast Asia's position as a major center for skyscraper construction.
Merdeka 118
Merdeka 118 tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
