Frank O. Gehry’s Architectural Magic – Media Harbor Düsseldorf

Few architectural ensembles manage to combine such strikingly different styles into a single, coherent vision. At Düsseldorf’s Media Harbor, Frank O. Gehry’s Neuer Zollhof stands as a sculptural dialogue in three acts. The building closest to the river—Building A—rises in deep red brick, sharply angular and deliberate in its geometry. The central Building B shimmers in stainless steel, its fluid, wave‑like façade mirroring sky, water, and the shifting light of the harbor; it catches the eye long before you approach. Facing the city, Building C presents a more reserved poise: its smooth, white‑plastered curves bend generously toward the skyline.

Each structure has its own height and temperament—A, the riverside block, climbs eleven stories; the reflective B rises seven; while C, looking toward the city, reaches to thirteen. Building B underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in early 2014 by the Düsseldorf‑based Concept Team in collaboration with BM+P Hesse Haselhoff. Even today, a drone view reveals a surface gleaming as though newly polished, reflecting the harbor with undiminished brilliance.

Within Neuer Zollhof, there is as much pleasure for the palate as for the eye. On the ground floor, two restaurants—Meerbar and Rocca 800 °C—share both an owner and a taste for stylish indulgence. Meerbar serves modern Mediterranean cuisine, known for its freshly caught seafood and fish, though fine cuts of beef—tartar, rib‑eye, and steak—also feature prominently. Prices remain reasonable: two or three courses can be enjoyed for under forty euros. Starters range from soup of the day to vegetarian platters and bright seasonal salads. Among the mains are seared wild salmon with lemon‑dill sauce, seafood tagliatelle, or tenderloin with red‑wine jus and truffled mashed potatoes. Sweet tooths should not leave without sampling the house‑made tiramisu, warm chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream, or panna cotta with seasonal fruit.

As its name suggests, Rocca 800 °C is dedicated to the art of the grill. The restaurant’s pride lies in its American‑made broiler that sears meat at a blazing 800 degrees Celsius (1500 °F), instantly sealing in flavor and moisture. Diners can choose from classic cuts—rib‑eye, fillet, sirloin—and pair them with their preferred sides (fries, baked potatoes, creamed spinach, or roasted vegetables) and sauces (black‑pepper, red‑wine, house‑made chili, or garlic‑herb butter). Beyond the steaks, the rest of the menu echoes its neighbor’s Mediterranean flair, ensuring that, whether one favors sea or land, there is always something satisfying at Neuer Zollhof.