View all newsletters
Latest in Luxury - Sign up to our weekly newsletter
  1. Travel
  2. Experiences
3 weeks ago

Venice Simplon-Orient Express Reveals L’Observatoire Interiors

The new sleeper carriage was designed by French photographer and street artist JR.

By Kim Ayling

Following its initial announcement this spring, The Venice Simplon-Orient Express, a Belmond Train, has unveiled the interior images of L’Observatorie – a sleeper carriage designed exclusively by artist JR.

Slated to launch in March 2025, the carriage will be the largest on board the ultra-luxe train and features a grand bedroom complete with a freestanding bathtub, a separate bathroom, a lounge area (that can be figured as a private dining room), and even a secret tea lounge.

The carriage’s interiors hark back to the train’s glamorous origins while simultaneously inviting guests to venture into the wild and wondrous world of JR’s creative vision. 

[See also: The Most Glamorous Train Journeys in the World]

venice orient express carriage
Notable design details include the bedroom’s green leather scalloping / ©Ludovic Balay
JR carriage venice simplon orient express
The carriage’s interiors hark back to the train’s glamorous origins / ©Ludovic Balay

“The carriages have traveled through countless decades and eras, so I wanted to find a new way to approach them, maintaining the connection to this deep story,” says JR. 

“Both my work and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are very artisanal, so L’Observatoire felt like a natural fit. Working with artisans, choosing woods and materials, and discovering motifs was not a constraint, because I am interested in making this a timeless artwork – as if I was an artist from the 1920s. I have added some features that are only possible in the 21st century but the fundamental craft is timeless.”

Described by the brand as an ‘artwork in motion’ and a ‘studio on wheels,’ L’Observatorie has been thoughtfully filled with objet d’arts and quirky artistic features, all of which have been handpicked by JR to invoke a sense of childlike adventure and curiosity. In keeping with the playful nature of the carriage, many of the features are kept secret, encouraging guests to discover new and intriguing details as the train journey unfolds.

[See also: The Best Luxury River Cruises]

libray in L’Observatoire carriage
The L’Observatoire has a private library / ©Justin Wheeler
venice simplon orient express JR carriage
JR worked closely with Atelier Philippe Allemand on the carriage’s custom marquetry / ©Ludovic Balay

A key component of the carriage’s design is its marquetry, for which JR worked closely with longtime Venice Simplon-Orient Express collaborator Atelier Philippe Allemand. Together, they created new custom motifs, including a cityscape that depicts JR himself standing on a rooftop. 

Content from our partners
Experience Real Life Magic at Nemacolin Resort
The Benefits of River Cruising in New Seasons with AmaWaterways
The Best Ways to Experience the Rioja Wine Region

Other notable design details include the bedroom’s green leather scalloping, intended to emulate leaves; the green Carrara marble bathroom; the two oculi skylights that allow guests to gaze up at the night sky; a window-front daybed; and a custom stained glass installation by expert artisan Michael Mayer.

In true Venice Simplon-Orient Express style, service in the L’Observatorie carriage will be second to none: guests will be treated to 24-hour butler service, private in-cabin dining, and transfers to and from the train, as well as bespoke amenities.

belmond.com

Select and enter your email address Be the first to know about the latest in luxury lifestyle. Get the latest news on hotel openings and in-depth travel guides. Get insider access to exclusive promotions and special offers from our luxury partners.
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thank you for subscribing to Elite Traveler.

Websites in our network