We typically discuss some of the more complex and technical aspects of elevators in our blog posts, but we are switching it up today. Here are 3 of the most interesting elevators in the world that you probably didn’t know much about.
1. World’s Tallest elevator
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the tallest elevator in the world is located within the Mponeng Gold Mine in South Africa. The elevator takes workers down 7,490 feet in just three minutes. It can reach speeds of up to 40 mph and can carry up to 120 workers at once. After this elevator, there’s another one that takes the miners to the lower levels, another 4,000 feet. The world’s tallest elevator inside a building is located inside the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It’s 1,654 ft long.
2. The Gateway Arch elevator
The Gateway Arch is located in St. Louis, Missouri. According to the monument’s website, it was created to “commemorate Thomas Jefferson’s vision of a transcontinental United States” and was completed in 1965. Since its creation, people have come from all over to visit the monument and take the ‘elevator’ to the top. We use the term elevator lightly because it’s more like a combination of an elevator and a Ferris wheel. It’s typically referred to as a tram. It takes about 4 minutes to get to the top of the arch, and each cart can hold 5 seated people. During the trip to the top and back, the capsule rotates 155 degrees, relying on the weight of the passengers to keep it balanced.
3. A’DAM Lookout elevator
The A’DAM Lookout is located in Amsterdam and has a 360-degree view of the city. The twenty-story elevator takes you to the top in just 20 seconds, but this is no ordinary elevator. The elevator features a spectacular light show with sound effects and a see-through ceiling. The elevator is just one part of the overall lookout experience. The building also features a giant swing on the top of the building, where you can hang almost 350 feet above the city. Other experiences include a VR Roller Coaster ride, an interactive binocular tour, a sky top bar, and a panoramic restaurant.
Now that you’re well versed in the most interesting elevators around the globe, you might have questions about your own home or commercial elevator. Need to get in touch? Just contact our team.