Malaysia’s Icon of Modern Islamic Architecture

The Petronas Towers, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (State: Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur), are a globally recognized architectural marvel and a symbol of the nation's rise as an economic power. These famous twin towers stood proudly at 452 meters (1,483 ft) and were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004. They still hold the record for the tallest twin skyscrapers on Earth. Every year, the Petronas Towers attract over 1.5 million visitors who come to witness their sky-high views and stunning design.

History of Petronas Towers

The Petronas Towers were designed by the late Argentine-American architect César Pelli to reflect Malaysia’s cultural heritage through modern Islamic architecture. The building started in 1993 and was finished in 1998. The towers symbolize Malaysia's economic growth and emergence as a global city. Each floor plate is based on a traditional Islamic geometric shape—a Rub el Hizb (two interlocking squares forming an eight-pointed star)—that gives the towers both strength and symbolism.