Currently the world's tallest twin towers, the 88 storey towers soars to a height of 452 metres. A 44-storey side tower (bustle) is attached to each tower. It was completed in 1998 at a cost of RM1.8 billion and officially opened in 31st August, 1999.

The architect for the project is Cesar Pelli (of Cesar Pelli and Associates from New Haven, Connecticut). He also designed the World Financial Center in New York City and the Canary Wharf in London and is recepient of the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 1995.

The floor plate of the Towers were designed based on geometric patterns common in architecture of Islamic heritage. It is composed of 2 rotated and super imposed squares with small circular infills. These geometric forms describe important Islamic principles of 'Unity within unity, harmony, stability and rationality'.

Contracts for the construction of the Twin Towers was awarded to two consortia. The Mayjaus Joint-Venture, led by Japan's Hazama Corporation, and made up of JA Jones Construction Co, MMC Engineering Services Sdn Bhd, Ho Hup Construction Co Bhd and Mitsubishi Corporation, won the contract for Tower One. The contract for Tower Two and the skybridge was awarded to SKJ Joint Venture which was led by Samsung Engineering & Construction Co and comprised Kuk Dong Engineering & Construction Co Ltd and Syarikat Jasatera Sdn Bhd.

A revolutionary step was made in using concrete instead of the conventional steel in the construction of the columns and core walls of the towers. The ability of concrete to withstand vibration better than steel and to dampen the natural tendency of tall buildings to sway in the wind made concrete a more ideal component.

The exterior wall of the towers is made of 33,000 stainless steel and 55,000 laminated vision glass panels. (Laminated glass was preferred for its safety, sound insulation, durability and solar energy control. It also screens out most ultra-violet rays, hence protecting the interior from sun damage.)

Each tower features 29 double decker high speed lifts, 6 heavy duty service lifts and 4 executive lifts.

THE SKYBRIDGE
The double decked skybridge stands at 170 metres from street level, connecting the Levels 41 and 42 of both towers. It symbolizes the gateway to the future. The engineering consultants of the skybridge are Ranhill Bersekutu Sdn Bhd and Thornton-Tomasetti Engineers. It is 58.4 metres in length and weighing 750 tonnes and was fabricated in South Korea by Samsung Heavy Industries.

The management conducts a tour which includes an audio visual presentation, a visit to the skybridge and the 86th floor of one of the towers. Visitors may purchase the tickets from the ticketing counter at conscourse level. Visiting hours are from 9.00AM to 9.00PM daily from Tuesday to Sunday. They are closed on Mondays and during lunch time on Fridays from 1.00PM to 2.30PM. Issuing of tickets will start from 8.30am (tickets are limited and issued on a first come, first served basis). Advance purchase is available. Visitors may also try to book on their online ticketing system at their website - http://www.petronastwintowers.com.my

The Twin Towers are owned by Petronas, the state-owned petroleum corporation. Tower One is currently occupied by Petronas. Tower Two is occupied by Petronas' associate companies while the remaining space is leased to multinational companies.

The Twin Towers are very popular with the film making industry. Many Indian, Chinese and Western movie makers have come here for location shooting. Part of the movie 'The Entrapment', starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones was shot here.

Suria KLCC Mall, a huge six-level crescent-shaped shopping mall, opened on May 8th, 1998 nestled at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers. "Suria" means sunshine in Bahasa Malaysia. It has one million square feet (93,000 square metres) of space. Prominent features include a spacious centre court, natural lighting from skylight, landscaped walkways, amenities for the disabled and parent rooms, drop-off points, ample parking (5,000 bays), over 270 speciality stores, open air cafes, 2 food courts, cinemas and exotic restaurants.

PETRONAS PHILHARMONIC HALL
Situated between the 2 towers at the podium level is a world class concert hall with an 865 seating capacity - the Petronas Philharmonic Hall. It is home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Petronas Performing Arts Group.

GALERI PETRONAS
This international class fine art gallery is located on Level 3 of Suria KLCC. The gallery provides an avenue for the local and foreign artists to display their artworks hence, meeting and nurturing the growing interest of Malaysians in visual art.

PETROSAINS (PETROLEUM DISCOVERY CENTRE)
On Level 4 of Suria KLCC is an interactive science discovery centre, a modern contemporary museum that allow visitors to touch, feel and manipulate displays and exhibits aimed at stimulating interest in science and technology, particularly in petroleum science.

A 20-hectare (50-acre urban sanctuary) tropical landscaping in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is conceptualised by the world famous Brazilian landscape artist, the late Roberto Burle Marx. He admired certain aspects of natural gardening and the perennial efforts to recreate the illusion of nature in urban parks and suburban subdivisions but his philosophy and vision were guided by the sensibility of an artist. The green spaces of the KLCC Park are thus carefully contrived to dispel the notion of the garden as a static creation.

The public park and garden reflect the tropical greenery, vibrant colours and patterns of the country's rich cultural heritage while its calm setting help dissipate the tensions of city living. People from the buildings within the KLCC development step out of their doorways and can quickly find a change of scene, away from the madding crowd. The soothing greenery and water features are old fashioned contrasts to the moderness of the new age materials and structures.

The park is unique in its theme and concept. This verdant area accentuated with specially designed water features is a work of art, an 'unnatural garden'. Its special features include a playful fountain pool, 2-acre children's playground, wading pool, patterned footpaths, sculptures, murals, shelters, benches and jogging track set among carefully chosen trees and shrubs native to Malaysia. The children's playground consists of colourful child-safe play equipment which are thoughtfully placed under large shady trees in the middle of the park.

The park has shaded rest areas beneath the lush greenery, public recreational open spaces, landscaped gardens and soothing water features. As the park approaches the commercial buildings within the development, it will merge with the private gardens of each of the buildings to make them an integral part of the park. The park is in keeping with the KLCC Masterplan which provides for an integrated development with an appropriate balance between commercial and public land use; between natural greenery and engineered masonry and between international image and national heritage.

A series of murals and sculptures have been installed on the pavement surrounded by trees and palms in the lake area. Approximately 1,900 indigenous trees and palms representing 74 species are planted to encourage bio-diversity within the park areas. Out of this number, some 40 trees were preserved and transplanted from the former Selangor Turf Club. Part of the park is a haven for birds and other local fauna. Much research preceded the selection of indigenous tree species whose fruits attract local and migratory birds. Through such careful effort it is expected that the KLCC park will become an important link in the 'bird corridor' of the region.

LAKE SYMPHONY
Located at the esplanade outside Suria KLCC, the Lake Symphony is programmed to provide 150 colourful, magical and dramatic animations. The total effect is a lighthearted and gregarious atmosphere. The fountain would be most captivating during sunset and against the night sky. The calming effects of the colourfully lit 'water features' is both soothing and relaxing to the mind.