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For most urban residents, elevators are an everyday essential, whether in apartment buildings, condos, or office spaces. These vertical transport systems simplify life, allowing you to effortlessly reach your desired floor with just a push of a button. No hassle, no effort—just a quick and smooth ride. And let’s be honest, taking the elevator is far more convenient than climbing countless flights of stairs, especially when you’re in a hurry.
However, elevators have a rich and intriguing history that often goes unnoticed. They weren’t always the safe and dependable machines we rely on today. Their invention revolutionized urban planning, shaping the way cities and skyscrapers were constructed. In this list, we’ll explore ten captivating and lesser-known facts about elevators, shedding light on an invention that has transformed modern life in ways you might never have considered.
10. A Matter of Life and Death
In the early days of elevators, nearly two centuries ago, riding one was a risky endeavor. If the cables failed or snapped, passengers faced the terrifying possibility of a fatal fall. This changed thanks to Elisha Otis, a name you’re likely familiar with, whose innovations made elevators safe and reliable for everyone.
The Otis Elevator Company remains a dominant force in the elevator industry, handling construction, maintenance, and repairs even today. Back in the 1850s, Elisha Otis revolutionized the field, risking his own life in a dramatic and pivotal demonstration that showcased his groundbreaking innovations.
In 1854, the Otis Elevator Company introduced a groundbreaking safety device designed to prevent passenger elevators from plummeting if their ropes failed. Instead of merely explaining the invention to architects, building managers, and frequent elevator users, Elisha Otis took a bold approach to prove its effectiveness.
At the World’s Fair held at New York City’s Crystal Palace that year, Elisha ascended on an elevator platform high above the ground. He then instructed the rope supporting the platform to be severed. To the amazement of the onlookers, the elevator remained securely in place, defying expectations and preventing a fatal fall. This demonstration marked a monumental leap in elevator safety, instantly boosting public confidence in the technology. Soon, Otis’s design became a standard feature in buildings across New York City and beyond.
9. Turn Up the Volume…
Elevator music is designed to create a soothing atmosphere for passengers during their brief journey between floors. While it’s often dismissed as bland or uninspiring—sometimes even used as a critique for dull music—it originally served a dual purpose. A century ago, this background music wasn’t just for ambiance; it played a crucial role in easing the awkwardness and discomfort that early elevator riders might have felt. Without it, those rides would have been far less pleasant.
In the 1920s, elevator operators and building managers began introducing music into elevator cars to address a growing concern. At the time, many people were anxious about using elevators, especially in towering skyscrapers in cities like New York. The fear of elevators malfunctioning and causing harm or even fatalities was widespread. Despite Elisha Otis’s earlier safety demonstration, public apprehension remained high.
To alleviate these fears, operators decided to play music inside elevators, creating a more relaxed atmosphere and diverting passengers’ attention from their worries. Additionally, elevators in that era moved much slower than modern ones, making the rides feel longer and more uncomfortable. Music helped fill the silence, making the experience less awkward. With these two goals in mind, the concept of elevator music was born.
8. Reaching New Heights!
Elevators are the unsung heroes behind iconic skylines in cities like New York, London, Tokyo, and Jakarta. Without the technological advancements in elevators during the 19th and early 20th centuries, skyscrapers as we know them wouldn’t exist. The reason is simple: imagine a 40-, 50-, or even 100-story building relying solely on staircases. Employees would waste enormous amounts of time and energy climbing up and down daily. While it might keep them fit, it’s hardly practical. Elisha Otis’s installation of the first public elevator in 1857 in New York City revolutionized urban living and working, paving the way for modern high-rises.
Before elevators became a reliable mode of vertical transportation, most buildings were limited to two or three stories, even in bustling cities. This changed dramatically in the 19th century as elevators gained popularity. The Industrial Revolution had already drawn people to cities for work, and the ability to construct taller buildings allowed architects and developers to maximize space. Elevators made it possible to build upward, transforming urban landscapes and meeting the growing demand for space in crowded cities.
The rise of elevators led to more offices, apartments, and densely populated city blocks, driving economic growth through increased rents and mortgages. During the 19th century, cities like New York and London experienced explosive population growth. The modern skyscraper quickly became a staple in commercial hubs, all thanks to elevators making urban living more efficient and feasible.
7. The Greeks Were the Pioneers
Although elevators are credited with enabling modern skyscrapers, their origins date back much further. The ancient Greeks, particularly the brilliant Archimedes, developed the first basic elevator system in 236 BC. This early design used pulleys to transport people, goods, and animals between different levels.
Historical accounts by Vitruvius describe Archimedes’ invention as a simple elevator powered by a water wheel. Ropes were tied to animals or pulled by groups of people to lift the platform to higher floors using a system of pulleys.
The Romans also adopted this early elevator design. Beneath the Colosseum, a network of underground rooms, tunnels, and animal enclosures relied on these systems. When gladiators or large animals were needed in the arena, teams of men used counterweights and winches to raise the platforms to the surface, thrilling the crowds above.
These large animals and gladiators were swiftly and carefully lifted into the arena, ready to perform for their lives. While the technology was far from what we have today, the fundamental purpose remained the same. In this way, elevators have been around for thousands of years, evolving from ancient designs to modern marvels.
6. Heading to the Top Floor—Fast!
The Shanghai Tower in China boasts the world’s fastest elevator, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour (approximately 72 kilometers per hour). This high-speed lift travels from the ground floor—or even the basement—to the 119th floor in record time, offering a thrilling ride for passengers.
The Shanghai Tower’s elevator holds the Guinness World Record for being the fastest in any building globally. Not only does it achieve incredible speeds of up to 45 mph, but it also stands as a historic achievement in elevator technology. One can only imagine what Elisha Otis would think of such a rapid ascent!
The time it takes for this elevator to travel from the lowest floor to the highest is astonishing. According to Mitsubishi Electric, the Nextway lift can ascend from the second basement level to the 119th floor in just 53 seconds. At its peak speed, it climbs at a rate of approximately 67 feet per second (20 meters per second), making it one of the most impressive engineering feats in modern construction.
This remarkable engineering feat is hard to imagine without considering the potential for vertigo. However, the ride is said to be exceptionally smooth, making it feel as though you’re gliding effortlessly upward. Just be cautious about pressing every floor button on the descent—unless you’re prepared to spend an entire day in transit!
5. Hop On Fast!
Not all elevators from the past resemble the ones we use today. While Elisha Otis and others developed elevators with features like doors, floor buttons, and even attendants to operate them, early 20th-century Europe introduced a unique alternative.
The Paternoster Elevator, also known as the Paternoster Lift, became widely popular for a time. Unlike traditional elevators, it never stopped at any floor. Instead, it moved continuously up and down in a loop. Another unusual feature? It had no doors, making it a truly one-of-a-kind design.
The Paternoster system operated like an open elevator shaft with platforms that moved slowly and endlessly. Without doors, passengers had to quickly step onto the platform as it passed by. When they reached their desired floor, they simply stepped off while the lift continued its slow, uninterrupted journey.
We all know escalators, right? Imagine a similar concept but applied to a century-old, rudimentary elevator. The Paternoster was a continuously moving lift that required passengers to stay alert and step off swiftly and smoothly at their intended floor.
4. Still in Operation Today!
Believe it or not, some Paternoster elevators are still in use today. While they’re not the go-to choice for modern skyscrapers, they remain functional in certain locations. For instance, the oldest working elevator, a Paternoster model, is located in the Oriel Chambers building in Liverpool, England. Installed in 1868, this elevator has been modernized but continues to operate reliably to this day.
The Paternoster at Oriel Chambers was designed by British engineer Peter Hart, who spent years perfecting his “Cyclic Elevator” before securing patents. After gaining popularity in Liverpool and London, these elevators spread across Europe due to their efficiency, simplicity, and rare mechanical failures.
The fact that the Oriel Chambers Paternoster is still in use speaks volumes about its durability. At nearly 200 years old, it’s a testament to Hart’s engineering. Other Paternosters are also operational in Britain, such as the one at Sheffield University, but none are as ancient as the Oriel Chambers model, which has been running since shortly after the American Civil War.
3. Trusting Backup Braking Systems
In today’s world, elevator accidents are extremely uncommon. While getting stuck in an elevator can be inconvenient and frustrating, it’s rarely life-threatening. (At least, we certainly hope not!)
The most dangerous scenario would involve a cable snapping, causing the elevator to plummet at high speeds. However, modern elevators are equipped with ultra-strong steel cables and advanced braking systems designed to prevent such disasters. Even in worst-case scenarios, these safety measures ensure passengers remain unharmed.
Similar to cars, elevators feature emergency brakes that activate automatically when needed. Unlike manual car brakes, elevator braking systems are fully automated, providing an additional layer of safety.
Elevators are designed to monitor their own speed during descent. If the speed exceeds a safe threshold, the emergency brakes engage automatically, preventing a freefall. With regular inspections and reliable backup systems like these brakes, elevators are incredibly safe, offering passengers a smooth and secure ride.
2. Hands Off Those Buttons!
Research has repeatedly shown that elevators are hotspots for germ transmission. It’s no surprise, given their enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces and high foot traffic. Add to that the constant touching of buttons by countless hands, and it’s easy to see why elevators become breeding grounds for germs, especially during cold and flu season. Every press of the “first-floor” or “door close” button can leave behind a trail of bacteria and viruses.
This issue is so significant that scientists have specifically studied germ spread in hospital elevators. Experts are particularly concerned about pathogens being transferred to vulnerable patients with weakened immune systems through button contact.
To address this, elevator manufacturers, architects, and building designers are developing touchless elevator systems. While these won’t completely stop the spread of germs, they could significantly reduce the risk by eliminating the need for hundreds or thousands of people to touch the same buttons daily, especially during peak flu season.
1. The Hidden Elevator of the Eiffel Tower
Elevators can be found in some surprisingly secretive locations. For instance, the Eiffel Tower in Paris features several public elevators, including three in the North, East, and West pillars for visitors seeking an easier ascent. There’s also a fourth elevator reserved for patrons of the Jules Verne restaurant, located high within the tower. But did you know there’s a hidden elevator designed exclusively for one individual during his lifetime?
That individual was Gustave Eiffel, the tower’s namesake. During the tower’s construction, Eiffel ensured a private apartment was built at the very top, complete with luxurious rugs, oil paintings, and even a grand piano. To access this exclusive space, he installed a discreet, private elevator solely for his use—and occasionally for his guests.
Very few people ever had the privilege of visiting Gustave’s apartment. Among the rare exceptions was the famed scientist Thomas Edison. However, for the most part, Eiffel kept this secluded retreat—and its private, high-speed elevator—almost entirely to himself.
