Skyscraper Day 2024: List of Tallest Skyscrapers from 1890 till 2024

Every September 3, engineers, urban dwellers and architecture enthusiasts come together to celebrate Skyscraper Day, a day that recognizes the greatest achievements in contemporary engineering and architecture. The day is dedicated to the magnificent buildings that define urban landscapes around the world.

Skyscraper Day in 2024 aims to remind people that it is the innovation, creativity and technological advancement that make these mega-structures possible.

What is the origin of Skyscraper Day?

September 3 is designated as Skyscraper Day to commemorate the birthday of Louis H. Sullivan, an American architect who is widely considered the “Father of the Skyscraper.” Sullivan was a major figure in modernist architecture, promoting the design principle of “form follows function.” His contributions also paved the way for the rise of skyscrapers around the world and influenced countless architects who went on to design some of the most famous skyscrapers and buildings in history.

In addition to honoring Sullivan’s achievements, the day celebrates how skyscrapers have grown from humble beginnings to the majestic structures that dominate city skylines today.

Why are skyscrapers so important?

Skyscrapers are more than just large buildings; they are symbols of human progress and achievement. These towering structures represent the ability to overcome technological challenges, promote the drive of people to aim high, and inspire the imagination to create buildings that are both elegant and functional.

Skyscrapers are also recognizable landmarks that help define the character of many cities. Think of the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the Shard in London, or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. These buildings are not only engineering marvels, but also national symbols that attract millions of tourists every year.

Skyscraper Day 2024: List of the tallest skyscrapers from 1890 to 2024

Year

Skyscraper

Place

high

1890

World Architecture

New York

309 feet (94 meters)

1892

Masonic Hall

Chicago

302 feet (92 meters)

1894

Manhattan Life Insurance Company Building

New York

348 feet (106 meters)

1898

St. Paul’s Building

New York

315 feet (96 meters)

1899

Park Row or Ivins Syndicate Building

New York

386 feet (118 meters)

1908

Singer Building

New York

612 feet (187 meters)

1909

MetLife Building

New York

700 ft (213 m)

1913

Woolworth Building

New York

792 feet (241 meters)

1930

40 Wall Street

New York

927 feet (283 meters)

1930

Chrysler Building

New York

1,046 feet (319 meters)

1931

Empire State Building

New York

1,250 feet (381 meters)

1971-1973

World Trade Center

New York

1,368 and 1,362 feet (417 and 415 meters)

1974

Sears Tower

Chicago

1,454 ft (443.0 m)

1998

Petronas Twin Towers

Kuala Lumpur

1,483 feet (452 ​​meters)

2004

Taipei 101

Taiwan

1,671 feet (509 meters)

2010 to Present

Burj Khalifa

Dubai

2,722 feet (829.8 meters)

Overall, Skyscraper Day is also a time to look ahead to the future of skyscraper design. Advances in technology, materials, and sustainability are likely to continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. The next generation of skyscrapers will likely be taller, smarter, and greener, reflecting the changing needs and desires of urban society.

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