Steel structures have long been recognized as excellent earthquake-resistant systems. However, this viewpoint wavered after the 1994 Northridge and 1995 Kobe earthquakes, when thousands of steel buildings experienced local or global damage making them difficult, if not impossible, to repair. To avoid the inconvenience and costs associated with such damage, significant research has been conducted on approaches that enhance structural resilience. This paper summarizes some of the recent technological advances in the field of seismic resilient steel structures, covering diverse aspects including emerging smart materials, novel members, and innovative design of structural systems. Challenges arising from the incorporation of these new design philosophies are also described and areas for further development are identified. Performance-based design approaches for seismic resilient steel structures are touched upon, and some practical applications that have emerged over the last decade are presented. Instead of giving an exhaustive compilation of all the relevant studies, this paper highlights the authors' unique reflections emphasizing current issues and future needs related to steel buildings. This paper should not only benefit professionals and researchers who have been working in this area for a long time, but it also enlightens a wider audience wishing to become acquainted with the state of the art related to this exciting topic. •Recent technological advances in seismic resilient steel structures are critically reviewed.•Emerging smart materials, members and structural systems are covered.•Challenges of new design philosophies are described with further research needs identified.•Performance-based design for seismic resilient steel structures is touched upon.•Practical applications that have emerged over the last decade are presented.