The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, renowned for its opulence and timeless charm, has been a symbol of luxury travel for nearly 100 years, offering a unique way to experience Europe’s most picturesque landscapes. However, in March 2025, the iconic train will unveil something entirely new: L’Observatoire, groundbreaking carriage designed to transform the very nature of train travel into an immersive exploration of art, craftsmanship, and creativity.
Created by the celebrated French artist JR, this carriage is not merely a place to sleep—it’s a fully immersive, multi-sensory art installation on wheels. The carriage promises to redefine the notion of luxury travel, turning each journey into a dynamic experience where art and travel intertwine.
JR, famous for his large-scale street art that challenges societal norms and explores themes of identity, culture, and the human experience, brings his creative vision to this extraordinary project. L’Observatoire serves as what he describes as a “studio on wheels,” a mobile space that encourages curiosity and contemplation. Drawing inspiration from historical observatories and the Renaissance concept of curiosity cabinets—spaces where discovery and knowledge converged—this carriage invites passengers into a world where art isn’t just observed, but actively engaged with.
The design is filled with surprises, hidden details, and personal touches that allow travelers to uncover the artist’s creative process as they traverse Europe’s breathtaking scenery. Each moment aboard is not just about watching landscapes pass by; it’s about immersing oneself in a journey of artistic discovery.
Merging Tradition with Innovation
While the interior design is undeniably contemporary, it seamlessly integrates with the iconic train’s signature Art Deco elegance. JR collaborated with master craftsman Philippe Allemand, a longtime artisan for the train, to create intricate marquetry that blends modern artistic motifs with classic elements. These unique designs reflect both the storied legacy of the train and its forward-thinking approach to luxury travel.
Hidden within the carriage’s detailed craftsmanship are subtle nods to the artist’s personal history, including an image of him on a city rooftop, a tribute to the street art origins of his work. These intimate details provide a sense of connection to the artist’s world, making this work of art feel like a living, breathing extension of his creativity.
A Multifaceted Experience
The carriage is divided into various spaces, each offering a different atmosphere and experience. The bedroom is a striking example of design innovation, featuring a free-standing bathtub—a rarity in a train carriage. The room’s design evokes the beauty of nature, with green leather accents that resemble tree leaves, while the bathroom showcases custom stained-glass windows inspired by Art Nouveau. Two skylights, designed to resemble camera lenses, allow passengers to gaze at the stars as the train journeys through the night sky, blurring the lines between nature and art.
The lounge area is equally imaginative, with flexible seating that can be adjusted for private dinners or social gatherings. A cozy daybed provides a perfect spot for travelers to relax and enjoy the unfolding scenery. The library, stocked with books from prestigious publishers like Gallimard and Penguin, offers a quiet refuge for literary enthusiasts. Throughout the space, JR’s influence is evident not only in the artwork but also in the thoughtful curation of cultural references that enhance the atmosphere.
One of the most enchanting features of the carriage is the hidden Tea Room. Behind a discreet door in the library lies this intimate space, where a miniature train installation projects an abstract film while guests relax by a crackling fireplace. Here, miniature sculptures from JR’s *Giants* series are displayed, providing an additional layer to the artist’s creative universe.
Tribute to Craftsmanship
At its core, L’Observatoire is a celebration of the artisans who have maintained the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express’s legacy of craftsmanship. The collaboration between JR and Philippe Allemand brings together traditional techniques with cutting-edge design, resulting in a space that feels both timeless and modern. As Allemand describes it, his goal is to weave the deep history of the train with contemporary artistic elements, creating a seamless fusion of old and new. For JR, the project was a natural fit, as both his art and the train share a commitment to artisanal craftsmanship.
The careful blending of history, art, and luxury ensures that it will not only be a stunning place to stay but also an unforgettable journey into the world of expression.
Ultimate Luxury-Meets-Art Experience
For those fortunate enough to board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in 2025, this vision on wheels offers a rare opportunity to experience art in an entirely new way. From its breathtaking design to the thoughtful, hidden surprises throughout the carriage, it’s an experience that invites travelers to engage with art, history, and culture in an intimate and personal manner. As Gary Franklin, Vice President of Trains & Cruises at Belmond, puts it, “L’Observatoire offers a one-of-a-kind combination of art, luxury, and storytelling that elevates travel to an entirely new level.”
Bookings for this extraordinary journey are now open, and passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy not just luxurious accommodations, but also world-class cuisine, sommelier-selected wines, 24-hour butler service, and personalized experiences that reflect JR’s artistic vision.
In an age where travel often prioritizes speed over experience, this offers something entirely different: a chance to slow down, reflect, and engage with the world through the lens of art. It’s a journey not just across Europe, but into the very heart of creativity itself.
Visit www.Belmond.com to discover more.
By: Lucas Raven
