Can You Identify These Famous Tall Buildings?

By: Beth Hendricks
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Identify These Famous Tall Buildings?
Image: Xiaodong Qiu / Moment / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Rising in the sky to nearly 500 feet, the Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest building in the world for more than 3,800 years. Since then, the race has been on among nations and municipalities to construct the next "big" thing — literally! Skyscrapers began dotting the landscape in earnest in New York City and Chicago in the 1880s. Not only were they interesting to look at and created an imposing city skyline, but they were practical additions to crowded cities where "growing up" offered more real estate than expanding outward did.

Today, some of the tallest buildings in the world exist outside the United States, standing as symbols of wealth and prosperity and serving as a focal point for a city or tourists. And, it seems just as soon as a building tops the "World's Tallest Buildings" list, a new structure comes along that's just slightly taller and more grandiose to eclipse the previous front-runner.

In this quiz, we've curated a list of 40 of the most famous tall buildings in the world. Read the clues, check the photos and see how aware you are of the skyline-transforming structures that dot our world, from New York City to Shanghai and everywhere in between!

Empire State Building
Istvan Kadar Photography / Moment / Getty Images
This New York City landmark offers 80-mile views from its observation deck, and was featured in the movie "Elf."
Aon Center
Empire State Building
Chrysler Building
Willis Tower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

New York's Empire State Building is a popular attraction in the City That Never Sleeps, offering 80-mile views on a clear day from its observation deck. Standing more than 1,200 feet high, it took only a little over a year for builders to complete.

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The Gherkin
Richard Newstead / Moment / Getty Images
This building in London's financial district is affectionately called by a name you can find in the pickle aisle at the grocery store.
The Bread and Butter
The Kosher
The Dill
The Gherkin
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Formally known as 30 St Mary Axe, the Gherkin earned its popular nickname for its distinctive pickle-shaped appearance. Today, it houses offices and restaurants in 500,000 square feet of space.

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Transamerica Pyramid Center
Wiki Commons by Sasha • Instagram.com/sanfrancisco sanfrancisco
Situated in the "City By the Bay," this iconic structure is not an actual pyramid, though its name says otherwise.
Transamerica Pyramid Center
San Francisco Pyramid Building
The Great Pyramid of the Bay
Bay Pyramid Towers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Transamerica Pyramid Center is actually neither a pyramid nor owned by Transamerica, a company that was acquired by AEGON USA, Inc., in 1999. It was San Francisco's tallest building until crews broke ground on a new skyscraper in 2018.

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One World Trade Center
Sir Francis Canker Photography / Moment / Getty Images
A new building with its own history, this structure was built on the site of the deadly terrorist attacks that took place September 11, 2001.
Let Freedom Ring Hall
The Success Building
America's Tower
One World Trade Center
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One World Trade Center is part of a rebuilding effort for the World Trade Center buildings that were destroyed on September 11. It is New York's tallest building and the sixth tallest building in the world.

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Willis Tower
Davel5957 / E+ / Getty Images
Though many people still refer to this Chicago skyscraper as Sears Tower, it has a new official moniker.
Lake Michigan Skyscraper
Willis Tower
Cubs Center
Chicago Tower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Sears Tower, completed in the early 1970s, became the Willis Tower, named for one of its tenants — the Willis Group. It is a beloved Chicago tourist destination, hosting more than one million visitors annually — most of whom hope to capture photos from its 103rd-floor Skydeck.

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Burj Khalifa
Waitforlight / Moment / Getty Images
Standing more than 2,700 feet in the air, this building holds several records, including "tallest building," "highest number of stories" and "longest elevator ride."
China Zun
Burj Khalifa
Shanghai Tower
Lotte World Tower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Burj Khalifa was said to have been designed to mimic the look of a regional bloom known as a spider lily. In addition to its other record, it also has the world's highest outdoor observation deck for visitors.

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The Shard
TangMan Photography / Moment / Getty Images
This London landmark was originally conceived as a drawing on the back of a restaurant menu.
The Shard
The Pill
The Dessert
The Montpelier
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Locals often refer to this building of the Shard of Glass, a nod to its unique design. The Shard houses private residences as well as a variety of commercial retailers, offices and restaurants.

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Wilshire Grand Center
Shabdro Photo / Moment / Getty Images
This Los Angeles structure had to obtain special permission to forego a flat-roof design.
The California Building
Clipper Pyramid
Wiltshire Grand Center
Staples Center
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Wiltshire Grand was able to bypass a fire ordinance in Los Angeles requiring buildings over a certain height to have a flat roof to enable helicopter access in the event of an emergency. Completed in 2017, its fire enhancements were superior enough to forego the typically-required design.

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Elephant Building
Wiki Commons by Jarcje
Named after the world's largest land mammal, this building's "eyes" are represented by gigantic windows.
Hippo Building
Elephant Building
Rhino Building
Dino Building
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Thailand pays tribute to its national animal in the simply-named Elephant Building located in its capital of Bangkok. With windows for "eyes" and dark glass rooms as the "tail," this building resembles a 560-foot-long elephant.

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CMG Headquarters
Wiki Commons by Dayton12345
This Beijing building is often called "big pants" by locals.
CMG Headquarters
MTV Headquarters
Beijing Boxer Building
ABC Headquarters
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The CMG Headquarters building is unique not for its height, but for its three-dimensional design, earning it the nickname "Big Pants." Its open center lends to the building's nickname and unusual look.

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Chrysler Building
Talena Sanders / Moment / Getty Images
You may never have driven this type of car, but you can still visit a building that bears its name in the Big Apple.
Mazda Building
Ford Building
Mercedes Building
Chrysler Building
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Chrysler building held onto the title of "World's Tallest Building" until the Empire State Building took the crown just a year later. Walter Chrysler, of Chrysler Motors fame, bought the building to serve as not only the home base of his business but also as a trophy to represent how successful he had become.

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Ryugyong Hotel
© Benoit Cappronnier / Moment Open / Getty Images
According to Guinness World Records, this building is the tallest unoccupied structure in the world.
Ryugyong Hotel
Korean Commerce Building
Sears Tower
Lincoln Memorial
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Located in North Korea, work on this building began in the late 1980s, but stopped just five years later due to an economic downturn. It has never been completed, despite additional attempts to open it since 2008.

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Bank of China Tower
chinaface / E+ / Getty Images
This skyscraper was developed by famed architect I.M. Pei and was inspired by a plant that grows in water.
China Capital Building
The Bamboo Skyscraper
The Lotus Building
Bank of China Tower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Bank of China Tower, a vision of Pritzker Prize-winner I.M. Pei, was inspired by the bamboo plant. Both the plant and the building are said to represent revitalization in the Chinese culture.

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Petronas Twin Towers
Fakrul Jamil Photography / Moment / Getty Images
Not one building but two, these tall structures earned their own commissioned poem.
Petronas Twin Towers
Double Dutch Buildings
Two Tall Structure
Malaysia Multiplex
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, The Petronas Twin Towers hold the record for world's tallest twin towers. They are connected by a bridge that holds its own record as the highest two-story bridge in the world.

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Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
Hidehiko Sakashita / Moment / Getty Images
This Tokyo, Japan-based building was named for its resemblance to an insect creation.
The Spider Web Sanctuary
The Japanese Nest
Tokyo Ant Hill Center
Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower earned its name for its design that resembles a cocoon spun by caterpillars. A representation of growth and development, it is aptly-named as it hosts two vocational schools and a college.

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Burj al Arab
FoggyImages / Moment Open / Getty Images
This structure in Dubai has been voted "world's most luxurious hotel" multiple times.
Burj al Arab
Sailboat Dubai
Al Mahara
Set Sail Hotel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Burj al Arab is renowned for its sailboat-like shape and was once dubbed a "seven-star hotel," alluding to the destination being in a class by itself. A stay here will set you back at least $1,000 a night.

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Torre Glòries
Wiki Commons by Manuel pino
At home in Barcelona, this building boasts 4,500 LED panels that light up and change colors at night.
Spain y Colores
Torre Glòries
España LED
The Barcelona Building
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Torre Glòries, formerly Torre Agbar, puts on quite a light show at night that can produce upward of 16 million colors on the outside of the building. It was designed to represent a geyser shooting into the sky.

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Turning Torso
Wiki Commons by David Castor
You aren't seeing things, this Swedish building really is twisted in the air.
Twisted Sister
The Swedish Sidewinder
Turning Torso
The Spinning Structure
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Turning Torso draws its inspiration from a marble sculpture known as "Twisting Torso." From bottom to top, the building undergoes a 90-degree turn. It is also known for its sustainability: All of the energy used in the building is renewable.

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Marina Bay Sands
photo by william cho / Moment / Getty Images
When this resort opened, it was the world's most expensive standalone casino.
Marina Bay Sands
Singapore Bellagio
Treasure Island
The Original Caesars
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sitting on Marina Bay in Singapore, this resort complex is host to a casino, hotel, restaurants, theaters and museums. The architect behind the build said he was inspired by a deck of cards in his design.

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Taipei 101
GoranQ / E+ / Getty Images
This building's name sounds more like a college class but is actually a nod to its number of floors.
The Taiwanese 60
Intro to Taiwan
Taipei 101
Building 400
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Taipei 101 features 101 floors and was known formerly as the Taipei World Financial Center. It has the distinction of being the world's tallest "green" building, winning awards for its water recycling system built into the building's facade.

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Aon Center
Jumper / DigitalVision / Getty Images
This structure, on Chicago's East Side, earned the name "Big Stan" for its original tenant, Standard Oil Company of Indiana.
Aon Center
The Heinz Center
Too Tall Tower
The Chicago Dog
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Aon Center, formerly the Amoco Building and the Standard Oil Building before it, has had a bit of an identity crisis since it was finished in 1974. Its 1,136 feet in height makes it Chicago's third-tallest skyscraper.

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Shun Hing Square
Aoruan MO / Moment / Getty Images
It didn't take too long to complete this one: This building in Shenzhen, China, grew four stories nearly every week during construction.
Shun Hing Square
China 120
Bank of China
Shenzhen One
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Encased in green glass, Shun Hing Square is also called the Diwang Building. It earned that name for the piece of land it sits on; at the time it was auctioned off, it was the most expensive tract of land in the city.

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432 Park Avenue
Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images
A residential skyscraper in New York City, this building took the place of the historic 500-room hotel.
Central Park Square
432 Park Avenue
Drake Hotel
Bing Towers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

432 Park Avenue overlooking Central Park now sits on the site of the former Drake Hotel, which was purchased for more than $400 million in 2006 and subsequently torn down to make room for this luxury high-rise.

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KK100
DuKai photographer / Moment / Getty Images
This building, located in Shenzen, China, features a curved design, created to be reminiscent of a fountain of water.
Shenzen Fountain
Prosperity Place
KK100
China 3,000
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The KK100 building is described as a mixed-use facility that includes residential housing, office space, a transportation hub, hotel and more. The building has "fins" on the outside that tenants can use to reduce glare on upper floors.

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Makkah Royal Clock Tower
Jasmin Merdan / Moment / Getty Images
Situated in a city that millions flock to annually, this building features the world's largest clock face.
Great Bell Center
Big Ben
Makkah Royal Clock Tower
The Times Tower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Makkah Royal Clock Tower is one of seven government-owned hotels in Saudi Arabia, located near the Muslim holy site known as the Great Mosque of Mecca. It replaced the historic Ajyad Fortress, which was demolished to make room for the new complex.

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CN Tower
Deejpilot / E+ / Getty Images
This free-standing structure in Toronto was built by a railway company, using around-the-clock workers to complete it.
The Railroad Center
Toronto Torpedo
Canadian Complex
CN Tower
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

CN Tower, named for railway company Canadian National, was built over a period of 40 months, using more than 1,500 workers 24 hours a day. The American Society of Civil Engineers named it one of the "modern Seven Wonders of the World" in 1995.

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InTempo
Belén Montilla / Moment / Getty Images
A rumor that circulated about this 47-story Spanish skyscraper having no elevator was later debunked.
Madrid Motel
Spanish Pasos
En Fuego
InTempo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Located in Benidorm, Spain, InTempo is the tallest building in Spain not located in Madrid. Rumors of the 47-story building having no elevator were deemed to be false, but construction has spanned 13 year since the plans for the building were first introduced in 2006.

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875 North Michigan Avenue
chrisp0 / E+ / Getty Images
A time capsule placed in this building in 1968 was recently opened to reveal a variety of items, ranging from a piece of the Eiffel Tower to a baseball signed by every member of the 1968 Cubs.
Jefferson Center
Chicago Tower
Sears Building
875 North Michigan Avenue
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

875 North Michigan Avenue, formerly known as the John Hancock Center, is located in Chicago's Magnificent Mile. The swimming pool on the 44th floor is the highest indoor swimming pool in the United States.

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Tour First
Steffen Schnur / Moment Open / Getty Images
This building in Paris is second only to the city's world-famous Eiffel Tower.
Parisian Palace
Tour First
Eiffel Center
The French Connection
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Renovations on Tour First that began in 2007 significantly altered the appearance of this skyscraper, added additional feet to its height and positioned it as a "green" building thanks to increased energy efficiency.

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Landmark 81
Dung Pham Hoang Tuan / Moment / Getty Images
This skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is the tallest building in the island country.
Asia Square 30
Island Center
Ho Chi Minh Hotel
Landmark 81
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Landmark 81, named for the building's 81 floors, is situated on the Saigon River. Housing a hotel, retail stores and an IMAX movie theater, it was built at a cost of roughly $1.4 billion.

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China Zun
Wiki Commons by Bairuilong
Located in Beijing, this tall building earned its nickname for being reminiscent of a vessel used to hold wine.
China Zun
China One
China Force
China Vino
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

China Zun, officially known as CITIC Tower, was recently completed, making it the new tallest structure in China's capital city. It may well hold that title for some time, given new regulations on building height restrictions in that country.

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Commerzbank Tower
Allan Baxter / Photodisc / Getty Images
This building, located in Germany, features nine "sky gardens" among its 56 stories.
Commerzbank Tower
Heidelberg Tower
Green Space One
German Greenery
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt, Germany, features nine themed gardens, which not only provides for additional light throughout the building, but can also be used as meeting or break spaces for employees housed there.

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The New York Times Building
Zave Smith / Image Source / Getty Images
This tall steel and glass structure houses a publication whose tagline is, "All the news that's fit to print."
The New York Times Building
The New York Post Building
The Chicago Tribune Building
The San Francisco Chronicle Building
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The New York Times building on New York City's Eighth Avenue rises 52 stories in the sky and houses the staff of the nearly 170-year-old newspaper. Retailers on the ground floor of the building are accessible to non-Times employees.

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Lakhta Center
Wiki Commons by Ad Meskens
This Russian skyscraper, the tallest in Europe, houses a planetarium and amphitheater, among other amenities.
Instanbul Sapphire
Lakhta Center
St. Petersburg Square
Russia Complex
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Lakhta Center in St. Petersburg, Russia, serves as the headquarters for Russian energy company, Gazprom. It also has features open to the public including an education center and an observation deck.

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Panorama Tower
wsfurlan / E+ / Getty Images
This building in Florida is the tallest residential structure on the East Coast south of New York City.
Panorama Tower
Opryland Hotel
Miami Vice Headquarters
Mercedes-Benz Superdome
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

So named for its panoramic views that can stretch as far as Ft. Lauderdale, this newly-constructed Miami apartment building has amenities ranging from a golf simulator to a soundproof music room.

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Jeddah Tower
Wiki Commons by Ammar shaker
Located in Saudi Arabia, the initial plan for this building was to extend one mile into the sky.
Saudi Tower
Economy City
Jeddah Tower
Mile-High Venue
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though subsequent plans have diminished the building's planned height to more than 3,200 feet high, the Jeddah Tower — once completed — will serve as the epicenter of the Jeddah Economic City project.

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Rockefeller Plaza
Michael Lee / Moment / Getty Images
You can observe downtown New York City from this complex's popular "Top of the Rock."
Chrysler Building
Empire State Building
Willis Tower
Rockefeller Center
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rockefeller Center, a collection of 19 different buildings, houses an observation deck dubbed "Top of the Rock." Rockefeller Center, and its adjoining plaza, are also well-known for the ice skating rink and annual Christmas tree lighting.

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Salesforce Tower
Steve Proehl / Corbis / Getty Images
The design of this building was crafted with the possibility of withstanding major earthquakes in mind.
San Fran Center
Bay Complex
Salesforce Tower
Boston Properties
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Salesforce Tower, completed in early 2018, surpassed Transamerica Pyramid as San Francisco's tallest building. Its design was implemented in such a way that the building could safely withstand any powerful earthquake in the area.

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London Eye
Arthit Somsakul / Moment / Getty Images
Named for a body part, this London landmark resembles a giant carnival Ferris wheel.
London Lip
London Leg
London Eye
London Belly
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The London Eye, an observation wheel that has become a common sight on the River Thames, was once the world's tallest Ferris wheel. It is still one of London's most beloved tourist attractions.

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Lincoln Cathedral
Wiki Commons by Nessy-Pic
This church in England held the title of tallest building in the world for more than 200 years, following the Great Pyramid of Giza.
St. Peter's Basilica
Lincoln Cathedral
Notre Dame
Washington National Cathedral
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At the time of its construction, Lincoln Cathedral soared over the Great Pyramid of Giza, which had been the world's tallest structure to that point. Its height is not the cathedral's only claim to fame: It once held one of only four copies of the Magna Carta.

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