Famous Elevators Around the Globe 

If you are an elevator connoisseur or just someone interested in how machinery works, you may be interested in some of the most famous elevators in the world. From the tallest to the oddest, we love to explore the inner workings of these modern marvels as we continue to provide world-class elevators and elevator service to our clients daily. 

Let’s explore the superlatives of elevators including the first elevator ever known to historians, the tallest, the fastest, the best view and the most unique. 

The First Elevator 

Elevator technology has come a long way since the first forms of lifts. Historically speaking, one of the first mentioned elevator machinery was created by the Roman architect Vitruvius. He is said to have built his first elevator probably in 236 BC. It was believed to be built and operated with hemp rope and powered by either animals or humans for the heavy lifting. 

Since this time, the evolution of elevator technology has come so far. It now includes hydraulics to power the lift mechanisms. Check out our newest projects. 

The Tallest Elevator 

This superlative is one that is often argued over by competing buildings. The Guinness Book of World Records documents the world’s tallest elevator as the AngloGold Ashanti’s Mponeng Gold Mine in South Africa. This elevator drops an astonishing 2,283 m (7,490 ft) in a single descent which is more than 4.5 times further than those in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

However, if we are referring to an elevator located in a building rather than a mine, the Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, takes the record. The Burj Khalifa is currently the world’s tallest building and home to the world’s tallest elevators. 

The Fastest Elevator 

The superlative for the world’s fastest elevator goes to the Burj Khalifa as its lifts travel up and down at speeds up to 40 miles per hour! While not all elevator riders enjoy this speed it does get you to the floor you want in record time. This is important when you visit the world’s tallest building. 

Most Unique Views Elevator 

This category is rather subjective as many people find uniqueness in the strangest places. So here are a couple of our choices for unique elevator views. 

For our first option, we must travel to Berlin, Germany where we will find the AquaDom, an attraction of the SeaLife Aquarium. This elevator will take riders through the middle of an 82-foot-high tropical aquarium. Can you imagine watching the sealife as you travel in an elevator? 

The second option for the most unique is the Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie, China. This elevator is built against a cliff face and allows riders to view the forest as they zoom up and down. 

Our elevators at Buckely are worthy of mention as we find the architecture, design and machine craftsmanship exceptional. Take a closer look at our services and elevator options on our site and become a part of the Buckley Elevator experience.