10 Most beautiful buildings in the world you must visit

Bucket List: 10 Most beautiful buildings in the world you must visit

Angela Goh

03 Jun 2016

updated the Friday, June 3, 2016

1/10
Oslo Opera House, Oslo, Norway
Home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, the Oslo Opera House has over a thousand rooms and covers a space of over 400,000 square feet. The building’s exterior is a sight to behold, with angular surfaces of Italian carrara marble and white granite making the modern structure appear to rise from the depths of the water surrounding it.
Photo: Getty Images
2/10
The Interlace, Singapore
Designed by Ole Scheeren, The Interlace presents a vast and intricate residential development that looks almost comically ambitious. Embracing the tropical environment of Singapore, the contemporary complex interconnects 31 apartment blocks in a unique stacking arrangement. Housing more than 1000 units, The Interlace presents a very modern approach to urban living.
Photo: The Interlace
3/10
Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai, Thailand
Better known as the “White Temple”, Wat Rong Khun is a gorgeous piece of work, very much unlike other temples found in Thailand, though the unconventional building has a style reminiscent of Bhuddist temples. Wat Rong Khun is owned by Chalermchai Kositpipat, who opened its doors to visitors in 1997 - admission to the compound is free but donations are accepted to help with renovations.
Photo: Getty Images
4/10
La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Melbourne, Australia
The La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science in Melbourne has a colourful facade that definitely catches the eye. Designed by Lyons Architects, the building has windows stretching right across the front and back, which lets in a maximum amount of sunlight in the daytime.
Photo: La Trobe University
5/10
Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Most are familiar with this impressive luxury hotel. The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, located in Dubai, sits imposingly on an artificial island surrounded by water. Being one of the tallest hotels in the world, the building contains over 9,000 tonnes of steel and 70,000 cubic metres of concrete.
Photo: Getty Images
6/10
Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain
This contemporary art museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry, is located alongside the Nervion River. It is one of Spain’s largest museums and has been viewed as one of the most admired works of modern architecture. Daring and innovative, the curves of the building feature reflective panels reminiscent of fish scales, designed to catch the light.
Photo: Getty Images
7/10
Catherine Palace, Pushkin, Russia
The Catherine Palace originated in 1717 when German architect Johann-Friedrich Braunstein was asked to construct a summer palace for the pleasure of Catherine I of Russia. Many improvements, renovations and expansions were made over the years. Today, the building still stands tall and proud in its grand Rococo style.
Photo: Getty Images
8/10
PARKROYAL on Pickering, Singapore
WOHA Architects have designed this magnificent building to be an eco-friendly “green” hotel. Massive in size and intricately terraced, with plenty of botanical elements and water features, the hotel features a contemporary infinity pool, fitness centre, spa, and various luxurious guest rooms.
Photo: PARKROYAL on Pickering
9/10
Gresham Palace, Budapest, Hungary
Located along the River Danube, the Gresham Palace is a grand example of Art Nouveau architecture. It was completed in 1906 to encompass an apartment and office space. Today, it is a lavish 179-room hotel run by Four Seasons Hotels.
Photo: Getty Images
10/10
Sagrada Família, Barcelona
Art critic Rainer Zerbst once said that “it is probably impossible to find a church building anything like it in the entire history of art”. Indeed, the Roman Catholic church of Sagrada Família looks much like something out of a fantasy novel. The church began its construction in 1882 and, after years of slow progression, is incomplete even to this day. It is still a sight to behold, with such grand Gothic and Art Nouveau influences.
Photo: Getty Images

Here are some of the most incredible works of architecture around the globe. You’ll want to add a few to your bucket list.

From stunningly contemporary works of art to ancient architecture that has survived over many centuries, our planet is indeed full of marvelous buildings, designed with beauty in mind. There are some that are known for their modest and minimalist simplicity, others are famous for their glamour and ambitious intricacies. Whatever the case, it is always a breathtaking opportunity to get up-close and personal with an architectural marvel.

From the sloping planes of the Oslo Opera House to the opulence of Gresham Palace, we invite you to take a look at our top 10 picks of the most beautiful buildings in the world. You’ll definitely want to add them to your ultimate bucket list.

Angela Goh

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