Celest, dinner at 190 meters high
A new restaurant and cocktail bar has opened in the new tower of Rotterdam, De Zalmhaven, next to the Erasmus Bridge. After several failed attempts to get in (some because it was closed, others because I needed a card to access the building, and a few more because the construction workers wouldn’t let me take photos), I finally managed to go up last weekend.
According to the staff, for now, it will only be open for dinner with reservations, and later on, the cocktail bar will be added.
This restaurant/cocktail bar is located at a height of 190 meters, offering unique views of Rotterdam. It is located on the 57th and 58th floors of De Zalmhaven tower, and is called Celest.
Hans Pfaall
Celest is curiously inspired by a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, published in 1835, titled The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall. This is one of the earliest works of science fiction by Edgar Allan Poe. The plot follows Hans Pfaall, a small and eccentric man from Rotterdam who finds himself involved in a surreal and fantastic adventure.
The story begins when a man named Hans Pfaall, seemingly fleeing from his creditors, decides to escape Earth in an extremely unusual way: he builds a giant hot-air balloon to travel to the moon. To fund his escape, Pfaall distributes several manuscripts around Rotterdam, which describe his escape plans and what he expects to find on his journey. Through these writings, we learn about his adventure and his hopes of fleeing from the debts that pursue him.
Pfaall’s journey is incredibly long, taking 19 days to reach the moon. During his journey, he describes the Earth from space, as well as the phenomena and landscapes he observes from his balloon. However, he never describes the moon in detail. This is because, at the end of his account, we learn that Pfaall is in the middle of a negotiation with the mayor of Rotterdam to obtain a pardon for several murders he committed, and he decides to keep the moon a mystery in order to secure his pardon.
The story concludes with a surprising twist: the mayor grants the pardon, but after Pfaall’s “death,” nothing is ever heard of him again, although some suggest that he might actually be an inhabitant of the moon. The ending leaves open the possibility that the whole story could be a hoax or a fantasy.
The place
Magnicity, a company with extensive experience in such projects, will be responsible for managing the 57th and 58th floors of the skyscraper. Magnicity also manages iconic locations such as the Euromast Tower in Rotterdam and international observation decks like the Paris Montparnasse Observatory in Paris, the Berliner Fernsehturm in Berlin, and the 360 Chicago Observation Deck in Chicago.
The decoration of Celest is inspired by Poe’s fascinating story. The interior has been designed by Doepel Strijkers Architecten. And I must say, the place really deserves a visit. The views of Rotterdam, in all directions, are spectacular.
On the first floor, there is a chill area with a bar and a DJ booth. The main element is a gigantic moon suspended from the ceiling, which can be controlled by a sphere. This moon lights up to display the lunar map and its main points of interest.
On the second floor, you’ll find the restaurant area, tastefully decorated. Additionally, there are private booths for dining. And of course, this is where the kitchen is located.
And I can’t forget the restrooms… yes, the restrooms! They also deserve a visit. I never imagined a bathroom could be so attractive!
After taking a quick look at the menu, I realized this place isn’t exactly aimed at the working class, but it’s definitely worth a visit! I might suggest it for a company dinner. Who knows!
Reservations can already be made through their website. So, if you’re in the mood to enjoy stunning views, innovative cocktails, and a unique experience, you’ve got your plan!