MedienHafen Düsseldorf: Frank Gehry on foot — an architecture guide
From working harbour to architectural stage: how Frank Gehry's Neuer Zollhof, the Hyatt Regency and the ARAG tower reinvented a quarter.
Until 1990 the Düsseldorf harbour was a working inland port: warehouses, coal loading gear, fishmongers. The turning point came in 1995 with the opening of the Rhine promenade, which released the southern harbour for an entirely new use. Today the MedienHafen is one of the most interesting quarters in Germany for anyone who cares about architecture.
Frank Gehry: Neuer Zollhof (1999)
The landmark of the MedienHafen: three leaning buildings that look as though they drifted apart and were put back together. Gehry designed the Neuer Zollhof over two years, taking his cue from the curving waves of the Rhine. The three facades are made of three different materials.
Other architectural highlights
- Hyatt Regency (2010) — by JSK Architekten.
- The Stern high-rise (1999) — by Steidle und Partner.
- The ARAG tower (2002) — by RKW Architekten.
- Roggendorf-Haus (2002).
- Kai 13 — by Norman Foster.
Where to eat and drink in the MedienHafen
- Berens am Kai — refined cooking with a view over the harbour.
- Roberts Bistro — French and German cooking.
- Lido Restaurant — modern Mediterranean.
- Bridge Bar at the Hyatt Regency — a 360-degree glass front.
Frequently asked questions about the MedienHafen
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MedienHafen in Düsseldorf?
- A former industrial harbour, redeveloped since the 1990s into a quarter for architecture and media. It is best known for Frank Gehry's three buildings of 1999.
- Who designed the Frank Gehry buildings?
- The American-Canadian architect Frank Gehry, known for the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The Neuer Zollhof was completed in 1999.
- How far is the MedienHafen from the main station?
- About 25 minutes on the U78 or U79, or 35 minutes on foot along the Rhine promenade.
Experience Düsseldorf — from the hotel.
31 rooms in Friedrichstadt, within walking distance of Königsallee and the Rhine. Book directly with the hotel for the best rate, with cancellation terms that depend on the rate.