Ancient relics and monuments are fascinating to visit since they are a part of history and sites of historic events of a bygone era. How about visiting some sites that are history in the making? These architectural wonders have admirers from tourists and experts from all over the world. All of these wonders were completed in the 21st century, except for the iconic Sydney Opera House, which opened in 1973 but has remained an architectural marvel.
Here, we curated this list of the best modern architectural wonders in the world that are beautiful and unique at the same time. You will want to see all of these after reading this article.
1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Photo by ZQ Lee on Unsplash
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest artificial structure, offering an unparalleled vantage point to admire Dubai’s vistas. Conceived by architect Adrian Smith, this mixed-use masterpiece encompasses residential and office spaces alongside the prestigious Armani Hotel Dubai and Armani Residences. Within its intricate design, each location holds a purposeful significance. For those seeking a truly elevated experience, Burj Khalifa SKY’s “At the Top” offers guided tours, refreshments at the SKY lounge, and an ascent to the world’s loftiest observation deck. Secure your tickets online to embark on diverse journeys within the Burj Khalifa’s extraordinary realm.
Building Stats:
- Height: 829.8 meters
- Stories: 160
- Observation Decks: 148th and 125th levels
- Architect: Adrian Smith
- Uses: Residential, office, Armani Hotel Dubai, Armani Residences
- Notable Feature: “World’s Voices” sculpture in the entrance lobby, symbolising global unity through sound
2. Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain
Photo by Carlos Torres on Unsplash
Revered architect Frank Gehry’s masterpiece, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, graces the city of Bilbao, Spain. This modern marvel earned the title of the most influential construction project since 1980 in a 2005 Vanity Fair survey. This iconic museum, declared the “greatest building of its time” by experts, exudes its cultural impact through its unique design and unparalleled collection. The gallery rooms boast varied shapes that ingeniously play with perspective, enhancing the experience of exploring a diverse range of art, from 20th-century modern to postmodern works of the present day. This architectural gem captivates art enthusiasts and invigorates the local economy as visitors flock to witness its splendour.
Building Stats:
- Architect: Frank Gehry
- Floors: 3
- Gallery Rooms: 20
- Art Style: Modern and postmodern (20th century to present day)
- Cultural Influence: Widely regarded as a pinnacle of modern architecture
- Impact: Transformed Bilbao into a cultural hub and economic hotspot
3. The Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Photo by Tyler Mower on Unsplash
Dominating the skyline of Kuala Lumpur and symbolizing Malaysia’s architectural grandeur, the Petronas Twin Towers, also known as the Twin Towers. These towers stand as an iconic testament to modern engineering and national pride. The addition of the iconic sky bridge not only enhances their visual magnificence but also contributes to structural support. While primarily housing office spaces, both the tower and the skybridge warmly welcome visitors, allowing up to 1000 guests daily to partake in their awe-inspiring presence.
Building Stats:
- Name: Petronas Twin Towers
- Height: 88 feet each
- World’s Tallest: 1998 to 2004
- Tallest Twin Towers: Ongoing
- Skybridge: Iconic feature, offers structural support
- Function: Mainly offices
- Visitor Access: Open to public, 1000 visitors per day
4. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore
Photo by Kelvin Zyteng on Unsplash
The Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore is a pinnacle of luxury and extravagance owned by Las Vegas Sands. It took the title of the most expensive standalone casino property upon its grand opening in 2010. Adding to its allure, the 1-hectare Sands SkyPark seamlessly connects the three towers, offering uninterrupted panoramic views of the iconic Marina Bay.
Building Statistics:
- Opened: 2010
- Owner: Las Vegas Sands
- Rooms: 2,561
- The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: Grand upscale mall
- Facilities: Museum, two large theatres, “celebrity chef” restaurants
- Attractions: Two floating Crystal Pavilions, art-science exhibits
- Casino: World’s largest atrium casino with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines
- Sands SkyPark: 1-hectare terrace offering continuous views of Marina Bay
5. China Central Television Headquarters, Beijing, China
Source: Facebook / @ Architecture inspirations
Redefining the conventional skyscraper, the CCTV Headquarters, also known as the CMG Headquarters, is a fusion of six vertical and horizontal facades spanning 51 stories. Its unorthodox physical structure, meticulously crafted, defies tradition while ensuring resilience against seismic forces. This architectural marvel was inaugurated in 2008 as the China Media Group (CMG) corporate hub. Affectionately dubbed the “big boxer shorts” or “big pants” due to its distinctive design, this tower reimagines skyscraper norms by creating a captivating loop.
Building Statistics:
- Name: CCTV Headquarters / CMG Headquarters
- Stories: 51
- Height: 234 meters (768 feet)
- Year Opened: 2008
- Purpose: Office building and headquarters for China Media Group (CMG)
6. Sydney Opera House, Australia
Photo by Jasper Wilde on Unsplash
Undoubtedly the most iconic mention on this compilation, the Sydney Harbour Performing Arts Center stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a befitting status for one of the planet’s most instantly recognisable architectural marvels. Notably housing more than just the renowned opera house, this venue encompasses a range of performance spaces, including a drama theatre, playhouse, studios, a concert hall, and a dedicated proscenium theatre, all contributing to its multifaceted cultural significance.
Building Statistics:
- UNESCO World Heritage site
- Variety of performance venues, including drama theatre, playhouse, studios, concert hall, and proscenium theatre
- 1600 performances annually
- Dining options: Opera Kitchen and Bennelong Restaurant
- Daily one-hour guided tours available in multiple languages
- Two-hour backstage tours for deeper insights
7. The Shard, London
Source: Facebook / @ The Shard London
Rising majestically as the United Kingdom’s tallest architectural masterpiece, The Shard, formerly recognised as the London Bridge Tower, pierces the skies at a soaring height of 309.6 meters. Boasting 72 stories of habitable floors, this awe-inspiring icon stands as a testament to modern engineering’s ingenuity. At its pinnacle, a viewing gallery and an open-air observation terrace on the 72nd floor invite visitors to immerse themselves in panoramic vistas that stretch beyond imagination.
Building Stats:
- Height: 309.6 meters
- Stories: 72 habitable floors
- Features: Viewing gallery and open-air observation terrace on the 72nd floor
8. Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Source: Facebook / @ The View Palm
Nestled in Dubai’s Jumeirah seaside area, Palm Jumeirah stands as an awe-inspiring testament to architectural innovation, a man-made island born from land reclamation. The culmination of groundbreaking efforts, its construction was initiated in June 2001, with the unveiling of the first residential units gracing its shores in 2006. This unique feat of human ingenuity boasts the following impressive building statistics:
- Construction Initiated: June 2001
- First Residential Units: 2006
9. Beijing National Stadium, China
Photo by Hong Jiang on Unsplash
Standing as a testament to engineering ingenuity, the National Stadium, affectionately known as the “Bird’s Nest,” was meticulously designed and constructed for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Its iconic nest-like steel outer shell posed a weighty challenge. Still, the persistent structure defied the odds, becoming a true marvel of construction. Set to host the upcoming 2022 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, this aesthetic masterpiece is a hub for sporting and cultural gatherings. Plans are underway to create adjacent shopping and entertainment zones to draw in visitors and enhance the overall experience.
Building Stats:
- Official Name: National Stadium
- Popularly Known As: “Bird’s Nest”
- Purpose: Built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics
- Unique Feature: Iconic nest-like steel outer shell
- Future Events: Host of the 2022 Summer Olympics and Paralympics
- Function: Venue for various sporting and cultural events
- Development: Planned construction of shopping and entertainment areas nearby for visitor attraction
10. The Atomium, Brussels, Belgium
Photo by Tom Podmore on Unsplash
Constructed for the 1958 World’s Fair, the Atomium stands as a captivating modern architectural marvel with multifaceted utility. The Atomium is a symbol of versatile design and innovation, serving as a hub for private events, exhibitions, museums, kids’ workshops, and crowned with a panoramic restaurant atop its towering structure. Comprising nine stainless-steel-covered spheres, each 18 meters wide, it forms the shape of an iron crystal unit cell magnified 165 billion times. Five of these spheres are accessible to the public, each catering to distinct purposes. The Atomium offers a commanding view of Brussels, rendering it a paramount fusion of ingenuity and functionality.
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