Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe presents L’Observatoire, a new carriage designed by artist JR

The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe remakes history by bringing L’Observatoire – a private and exclusive sleeper carriage designed by leading artist JR – to Venice for a one-of-a-kind project reveal during Biennale Arte.

Between 17 and 22 April 2024 the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will give the public the unique opportunity to peek inside this historic carriage through several viewpoints located on its windows and discover JR’s design unfolding through different environments including a bedroom, an ensuite bathroom, lounge area, library, and secret tearoom. Hidden clues and secret details are layered within the intricate marquetry and evocative spaces, to drive curiosity and instill a sense of imagination in the viewers.

A key milestone for the history of this legendary train, this new sleeper carriage will become the most spacious accommodation on board, and it will provide guests with an immersive experience in motion as they crisscross Europe on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

VENICE BOUND

 The visionary James B. Sherwood founded Belmond in 1976 with the acquisition of Venice landmark property, Hotel Cipriani. The following year, to accomplish his ambition to bring back to life the ‘golden age of travel’ with the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, he acquired two original sleeper carriages at a Sotheby’s auction in Monte Carlo. After collecting and meticulously restoring 17 carriages, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operated its first trip to Venice in May 1982. The arrival of the iconic train in the lagoon was marked by a glamorous party at the Hotel Cipriani, where two carriages were docked and displayed in front of St Mark’s Square for Venetians and visitors to admire.

Consolidating its position as a leader in perpetuating the art of travel while instilling it with new life, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express brings to Venice L’Observatoire by JR, 42 years after Mr Sherwood showcased the Étoile du Nord dining car and one of the sleeper carriages in the lagoon.

Gary Franklin, Vice Presidents Trains & Cruises at Belmond says: ‘The team and I are thrilled to be working with JR, who shares with us a real passion for the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. L’Observatoire is a testament to our company’s prominent role in reinventing the railway experience as we perpetuate the art of slow luxury across our growing portfolio.’

L’Observatoire will join the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in 2025